National Day for Truth & Reconciliation


Saturday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour the Survivors of the residential school system, the children who did not make it home, as well as their families and communities. It is a time to commemorate and reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of residential schools.

For the first time, the Survivors' Flag will be displayed at City Hall in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Survivors' Flag is an expression of remembrance meant to honour residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. For more information about the Survivors' Flag, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation webpage.

In addition, the ‘Together’ statue at Minoru Centre for Active Living will be illuminated in orange, in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The community can commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day through:

September 1-30: Richmond Public Library Indigenous Perspectives Collection

The Richmond Public Library’s Indigenous Perspectives Collection will be displayed at all library locations throughout the month of September and community members are encouraged to explore our dedicated Indigenous Resources webpage. Available online from September 1-30, 2023.

September 20: A Step towards Creativity Workshop

As part of the Richmond Public Library’s Indigenous Author Series we invite you to join Kwantlen poet, playwright and storyteller Joseph A. Dandurand for a reading and writing workshop.
Ages: Adults
Wednesday, September 20 from 7:00-8:00p.m.
Location: Brighouse Library – 2nd Floor Program Room (2nd floor)
Cost: Free, registration required.

September 24: Artist Rita Kompst-Point Workshop

Artist Rita Kompst-Point will display skeins of naturally dyed wool, “cook” wool, and talk about the process and how she harvests the berries, twigs, stems for creating natural dyes. Ages: All Ages
Cost: Free, no registration required.
Location: Tait Waterfront Park (9991 River Dr.); hosted by Richmond Nature Park
Sunday, September 24 from 11:00a.m.-3:00p.m.

September 25: You Are Sacred Reading and Workshop

Anishinaabe/Metis Author, Illustrator and Yoga Teacher Sarah Anne Tourond unites the healing powers of literature, yoga and art in this workshop to encourage self worth and nurture the spirit of children.
Ages: Children – All Ages
Cost: Free, registration required.
Location: Brighouse Library – Kid’s Program Room (Main floor)
Monday, September 25 from 10:00–11:00a.m.

September 25-30: Educational Webinars - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Five 50-minute educational webinars on each day leading up to September 30 are being offered virtually. Day 1: Indigenous Peoples and the History of Residential Schools Day 2: Unconscious Bias and Debunking Stereotypes Day 3: Intergenerational Impacts and Ongoing Systemic Discrimination Day 4: Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Day 5: Taking Action Toward Reconciliation For more information and to register visit Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023.

September 27: A Pathway to Reconciliation: A Conversation with Chief Robert Joseph

Join us for a special evening with Chief Robert Joseph, OC, OBC, as he discusses his new book, Namwayut– We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation.
Ages: Adults
Cost: Free, registration required.
Location: Cultural Centre Performance Hall
Wednesday, September 27 from 7:00-8:00p.m.

September 28: Joseph Kakwinokanasum Author Talk

Come to an author talk and reading with Joseph Kakwinokanasum. Joseph was nominated for the 2022 Canada Trust Rising Star, and was a featured author at the Windsor Writers Festival.
Ages: Adults
Cost: Free, registration required.
Location: Brighouse Library – 2nd Floor Program Room (2nd floor)
Thursday, September 28 from 7:00-8:00p.m.

September 30: Richmond Public Library Family Storytime

We will be featuring picture books written by Indigenous authors and at two Storytimes during the day. Detail about Family Storytime can be found on the Richmond Public Library website.
Cost: Free, no registration required.
Location: Brighouse Library – Kid’s Program Room (Main floor)
Saturday, September 30 from 10:30-11:00a.m. & 1:00-1:30p.m.

September 30: Richmond Public Library Launchpad Display

The works of Indigenous authors will be prominently displayed inside the library and an Indigenous created film which will celebrate Indigenous themes will be showcased on the Launchpad’s large viewing screen throughout the day.
Ages: All Ages
Cost: Free, no registration required.
Location: Brighouse Library – Launchpad Media Wall (Main Floor)
Saturday, September 30 from 10:00-2:00p.m.

September 30: Live broadcast from Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Remembering The Children commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On September 30, 2023, a national commemorative gathering will broadcast live from Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The live national broadcast will begin at approximately 12:00pm CDT. Check your local listings.

Ongoing until September 30: Hope and Healing Canada Art Exhibit by Tracey-Mae Chambers

Visit the Richmond Cultural Centre’s rotunda for Tracey-Mae Chambers’ site-responsive artist project, Hope and Healing Canada. The goal of Chambers’ art installation is to broach the subject of decolonization with viewers and help bridge the gap between settlers and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people. Learn more at www.traceymae.com. 

Ongoing until Sep 30 Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate

Ongoing: Artist Salon - Tracey-Mae Chambers on Traveling Exhibitions (Webinar Recording)

Artist Salon: Tracey-Mae Chambers on Traveling Exhibitions (Webinar Recording) Chambers is traveling Canada and the USA creating site specific art installations at residential school historical sites, cultural centres, museums, art galleries and other public spaces. Hear about her journey in developing and funding this ongoing project with tips and advice for artists seeking to exhibit in various spaces across the country. This webinar recording is available on YouTube.

 

Facility Closures

Some City facilities may have reduced hours or be closed in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For specific Community Centre hours, visit Recreation Facilities.

  • City Hall will be closed on Monday, October 2 in observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • The Recycling Depot will be closed on Saturday, September 30 and will be open on Monday, October 2. Blue cart collection will remain regularly scheduled. All other residential services will be pushed by one day due to the the observed statutory holiday on Monday, October 2.
  • Lang Centre, Hamilton Community Centre and Sea Island Community Centre will be closed on Saturday, September 30.
  • The Brighouse library and Cultural Centre will have reduced hours on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. All other library branches will be closed on Saturday, September 30. For details visit the Richmond Public Library's website.

Resources

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day through these resources: