This Friday (September 30, 2022) we are observing Truth and Reconciliation Day and we want to share with you some local events and opportunities happening in and near Vancouver. Also known as Orange Shirt day, we observe this day to remember the thousands of children who were unjustly placed in residential schools resulting in the mass murder of so many of these Indigenous youths. Part of observing this day is to understand the harsh reality of what happened to these children and the generational trauma it has created in our local indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to participate in the sombre observance of this day by attending local Indigenous centred events.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Líl̓wat7úl Cultural Centre

Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
Admission: FREE
Location: 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC
Description: Reflect on our history. Connect to the land. September 30th will be a day of reflection, stories, learning, and contemplation at the SLCC. The day will be filled with programming throughout the Great Hall, Theatre, Galleries, and out on the Mezzanine patio.

New Westminster National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Time: 3 - 6 PM
Admission: FREE
Location: Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster
Description: Spirit of the Children Society will host a pipe ceremony at Westminster Pier Park to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

On Truth and Reconciliation: Indigenous artist James Harry discusses his project with SOS Village

Time: 1 - 2:30 PM
Admission: FREE
Location: Griffin Art Projects: 1174 Welch St, North Vancouver
Description: Join the most recent awardee of GRIFFIN’S Indigenous Studio Award, artist James Harry, for a talk about his most recent piece for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in collaboration with SOS Children’s Village BC. The talk will follow a Q&A led by Indigenous curatorial assistant, Emmett Hanly.

Traditional Dance Performance - Jeanette Kotowich: Kisiskâciwan

Time: 8 PM
Admission: $25-$35
Location: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St, Vancouver
Description: Originally from Treaty 4 territory Saskatchewan, Jeanette Kotowich is an independent dance artist and choreographer of Nêhiyaw, Métis and mixed settler ancestry. Her work reflects Nêhiyaw/Métis cosmology within the context of contemporary dance performance, referencing protocol, ritual, our relationship to the natural and Spirit world, and ancestral knowledge. Kisiskâciwan is a creative return to the swift-flowing landscape of Saskatchewan, the robust undulating land of her grandmothers’ mothers and great-great-grandfathers. Conceived and performed by Kotowich in collaboration with Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, this solo work is a journey to one’s self.

Performance: Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy)

Time: Running Sept 28 - October 16th
Admission: From $18
Location: Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St, Vancouver
Description: A poignant and powerful play about reconciliation, environmentalism, and interconnectedness, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tackles meaningful issues through engaging storytelling, whimsical puppetry, and an age-appropriate narrative – suitable for children and youth of all ages (5+) – about the generational impact of our actions on the environment and our communities.