Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on September 30th.
This day is a time to listen, learn, and reflect on the injustices experienced by Indigenous children in residential schools, and the lasting impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities — while honouring their resilience and strength.
Across our neighbourhood houses, we are wearing orange to remember and honour the Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities forever changed.
Ahead of Orange Shirt Day, our houses are welcoming community members to join in events and conversations:
Our Truth; History & Impact of Residential School
Thurs, Sept 25, 12:30–3:30pm at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House
An open talk on the history of Residential Schools and their impact on Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Frog Hollow's Orange Shirt Day Commemorative Event
Thurs, Sept 25, 4:30–6:30pm at Frog Hollow
Smudging, drumming, community arts, bannock, and multi-lingual resources.
House Post Unveiling Ceremony
Mon, Sept 29, 11:00–12:00pm at Gordon House
Post unveiling ceremony and celebration of the work of Squamish Nation artist, John Spence, including traditional ceremony and speeches.
MPNH Indigenous Monday Night Dinner
Mon, Sept 29, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at MPNH
Indigenous Monday Night Dinner - a special gathering in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Limited spots available Register here
Sugercane - Film Screening
Tues, Sept 30, 1:30–5:30pm at Kits House
Screening of Sugarcane, an award-winning documentary investigating the history of a residential school in Williams Lake, BC.
As an organization rooted in the settlement movement, we recognize our responsibility to confront our history and reflect on the ways we may have contributed to colonialism and systems that caused harm to Indigenous Peoples.
We are committed to listening, learning, unlearning, and acting as allies. Across our neighbourhood houses, we remain dedicated to speaking out against injustice and working to decolonize our practices to foster inclusive and welcoming communities.
The steps we’ve taken so far are part of a longer journey — one that calls for humility, accountability, and ongoing action. Check-out the stories of Transformation that highlight our houses and camp have been striving to move forward in meaningful and intentional ways towards reconciliation:
Baking Towards Truth and Reconciliation
From Brick Walls to Blooming Stories
What Land Justice Means for Sasamat
The Forest Eco System
Putting Reconciliation into Action
Reconciliation and decolonization must extend beyond this day. Every day, we must acknowledge the historical, systemic, and ongoing harms faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and commit ourselves to meaningful change.
