Surrey, White Rock and Delta host events for Truth and Reconciliation Day

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed across Canada on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Events are planned in Surrey, White Rock and Delta to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities, recognize the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system, and reflect the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.

In White Rock, Semiahmoo First Nation is welcoming the public to its sixth annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation. It starts at 11 a.m. at Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza in East Beach. After the walk, people are invited to gather in Semiahmoo Park for afternoon activities, including a welcome from Semiahmoo First Nation, performances by Kwel Eng Sen Youth Dancers and JB The First Lady, an Indigenous marketplace and a complimentary lunch provided by the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association.

This year’s keynote speaker is Phyllis Webstad, CEO and co-founder of the Orange Shirt Society. She is widely recognized for raising awareness of the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the message that Every Child Matters. As a residential school survivor, she will share her experience and advocacy with the community. The event runs until 2 p.m. More information is at whiterockcity.ca.

Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell said the annual walk brings communities together in remembrance, reflection and healing. He said participants walk to honour the children who never returned home, recognize the strength of survivors and their families, and ensure their stories continue to be heard. Chappell welcomed everyone to take part in the journey toward truth and reconciliation.

In Surrey, the city is inviting residents to take time to walk the path of reconciliation. The city encourages people to reflect on the day and support ongoing efforts toward truth, healing and reconciliation. Suggested observances on Sept. 30 include wearing an orange shirt to honour residential school survivors and taking a moment to reflect at Surrey Civic Plaza, where City Hall will be illuminated in orange.

Residents can also explore Surrey’s Indigenous Public Art Collection. It includes Rain Pierre’s vinyl wrap design on a wall at the Clayton Community Centre library (7155 187A St.), Joan Williams’ “ȻEN,TOEL: Being together” mural at the City Centre Library, and Robert Davidson’s “Eagle Calling” sculpture at Frank Hurt Park (13828 77 Ave.), among other works. The full list is at tinyurl.com/SurreyIndigenousPublicArt.

The “Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools” exhibition is on view at the Museum of Surrey’s Indigenous Hall (17710 56A Ave.). Produced by the Legacy of Hope Foundation in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation, it uses archival photographs and documents to tell the 125-year history of the residential school system. Photographs, text panels and artifacts trace the experience from leaving home and arriving at school through school activities and classroom life. More information is at tinyurl.com/IndigenousMuseumSurrey. Search “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” on the City of Surrey website, surrey.ca, for more details.

In Delta, the public is welcome to join Tsawwassen First Nation for a community walk marking the day. It starts at 9:30 a.m. at the TFN Recreation Centre. The First Nation encouraged people in a social media post to wear orange as a visible expression of support, remembrance and commitment to reconciliation, and said participants could take time together to learn, reflect and walk in solidarity.