City of Maple Ridge to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Maple Ridge will join communities across Canada in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The day honours residential school survivors, remembers children who never returned home and reflects on the lasting effects of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.

City Hall will be illuminated in orange beginning Sept. 27. Every Child Matters flags will fly at City Hall, and flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-mast on Sept. 30. City Hall will be closed that day, while some City facilities will have reduced hours or close; regular hours resume Oct. 1. Details are available at MapleRidge.ca/HolidayHours.

Residents are invited to a community gathering at Memorial Peace Park on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is hosted by PLEA Community Services in partnership with Katzie First Nation, Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS), BC SPOKES, the City of Maple Ridge and local organizations. It will include cultural performances, guest speakers, orange-shirt painting, a community art project, drum circles, vendor booths, learning and resource-sharing opportunities, and dedicated spaces for reflection, storytelling and healing for people affected by the residential school system. Free underground parking will be available at City Hall.

Mayor Dan Ruimy said the day is a time to listen, learn and reflect on the truth of Canada’s residential school history and its continuing impacts. He said the City remains committed to building respectful, meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and supporting reconciliation through year-round action. Anna Lilly, director of external relations, encouraged residents to attend the Sept. 27 gathering and to use Sept. 30 to reflect, learn and consider how they can contribute to respectful relationships and reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation builds on the legacy of Orange Shirt Day, which began in Williams Lake, B.C., after residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad shared that her new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her on her first day at school. In 2021, the federal government established the day as a statutory holiday in response to Call to Action No. 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

FRIS is selling orange T-shirts for $25 to support its Community Connections Fund, which supports local initiatives. Shirts are available at the FRIS office, Unit 200, 11830 223 Street, and at the Sept. 27 event. Official orange shirts and other merchandise are also available through the Orange Shirt Society online store at https://orangeshirtday.org/support/official-merch/.

People seeking support can call the National Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day at 1-800-721-0066. A separate 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419. Additional resources are available through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Orange Shirt Society.