The magnificent autumn is upon us, and it all begins with September. We begin to anticipate that chill air, as trees start to dry up and go through the rebirth process. We are very aware of the changes September brings. As we slowly become aware of these beautiful natural changes, I would like to remind us to also remain aware of the happenings around the world—how can we actively be a part of the changes around us!
A Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has provided us with commemorative and educational guides to what meaningful reconciliation work is for allies, and ways we can commemorate September 30th. View the toolkit.
From the kit above, we recommend:
- A book to read – Let the People Speak: Oppression in a Time of Reconciliation (Sheilla Jones) and/or Reconciliation in Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (Ranjan Datta).
- A film to watch – Films for Orange Shirt Day (Reel Canada).
Events
Culture Days has set September 30 aside to create space exclusively for events organized to commemorate the day, including those aimed at sharing First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit experiences and perspectives celebrating the creative and cultural expressions of Indigenous people and communities. Visit this page for events, organizations, resources, and learning opportunities related to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Below is a selection of events in BC taking place in September to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Vancouver
- Intergenerational March | September 30, 2023 | 11 AM – 2 PM | Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre Attend the intergenerational march to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. The march aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. Educational activities will allow younger participants to connect with the original inhabitants of the land and plant a seed to continue these conversations about a difficult era in Canadian history at home.
North Vancouver
- Many Truths and Other Ways to Rethink Reconciliation | September 30, 2023 | 1 – 2:30 PM | Online A pre-recorded talk by the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Indigenous Artist Studio Award, Miriam Berndt and collaborator, Musqueam artist, Grace Ulu discussing land-based practices, unveiling family histories, and reconciling stories from their nuanced matrilineal heritage.
Surrey
- Skookum Surrey Ceremony | September 29, 2023 | 3 – 5 PM | Holland Park
Join Skookum Surrey for drumming, story sharing, tea and bannock. Everyone is encouraged to wear an orange shirt.
New Westminster
- Teaching Pow Wow: Voices of our Children | September 30, 2023 | 12 – 4 PM | Westminster Pier Park Spirit of the Children Society will host a Pow Wow to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Please wear your orange shirt.
Maple Ridge
- The Healing Journey Through Truth & Reconciliation | September 30, 2023 | 10 AM – 2:30PM | Memorial Peace Park PLEA Community Services has put together this event in support with the local indigenous people, the Katzie First Nations, Fraser River Indigenous Society, and local community partners to support and bring awareness to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Victoria
- South Island Powwow | September 30, 2023 | 10 AM – 11:59 PM | Centennial Square The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, we will celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency.
Have you considered joining a Community of Practice Event?
October 24th from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
The theme is Operationalizing DEI. “In this interactive community of practice event, we will facilitate discussions around developing and implementing DEI initiatives, identifying challenges DEI practitioners face, and collaborating to find a way forward.” This opportunity is offered in-person – seats are limited. Registration details here.
Curious about other days of cultural significance?
Read the September issue of Diversity Ink.
Let’s keep learning, unlearning, and re-learning!
