Local events to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Every September 30, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday honours survivors of Canadian residential schools, their children, and the impact on the families and communities of those who never made it home.

It became a national holiday in 2021 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ’s 80th call to action . Spending time with your community is one way to take part and reflect on Canada’s painful historical legacy, and there are many local events this month to look out for.

The UFV community will mark this year’s Truth and Reconciliation Day with an event on September 29. The Teaching and Learning Centre’s Reconcili-Action Literacy Luncheon takes place in the Gathering Place at CEP from 11 am–3 pm. There will be an Indigenous book exchange to celebrate Indigenous authors. Bring a dish to share and your own reusable cups, plates, and cutlery to enjoy lunch alongside Indigenous faculty, staff, and students. Be sure to register here .

Visit the Truth and Reconciliation Audio Lounge in room S1111 at the Abbotsford campus on September 25, 26, and 29. The Student Experience Office has curated an exhibit-style space for listening, learning and reflection from 9 am to 4 pm. Using earphones and QR-coded posters, experience powerful Indigenous testimonies exploring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Want to learn more about allyship in action at UFV? Join the online Allyship Lunch and Learn on September 25. It takes place from 12 pm to 1 pm and will cover findings from a review of Indigenization efforts across the university. Email TLCevents@ufv.ca to register.

To see more Teaching and Learning events related to Truth and Reconciliation, visit their website .

In Chilliwack on September 29, the Chilliwack Arts and Cultural Society will be hosting an event at the HUB International Theatre from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Enjoy local vendors and snacks at the lobby market, and an evening of panels and performances on the topics of leadership, land restoration, and cultural healing.

The Abbotsford School District will hold its third annual Stetís ímexstowx (“Walk Beside Us”) event on September 30 from 10 am to 3 pm at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza. Activities will include performances, interactive storytelling, and an experiential learning exercise.

On September 30 in Chilliwack, the Stó:lō Service Agency is hosting an event on the Coqualeetza grounds from 10 am to 2 pm. There you’ll find Indigenous guest speakers, cultural performances, food trucks and Indigenous vendors. To demonstrate your support, wear orange as a reminder that every child matters.

UFV seeks to uphold its values of integrity, inclusivity, community and excellence by supporting Indigenous learners and incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into its curriculum. For resources on Indigenization and reconciliation, join Xwelítem Siyáya or visit the Xwexwílmexwawt website.