Surrey marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the history and impact of the residential school system. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it honours the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples and survivors while remembering children who never returned home.

The City of Surrey encourages residents to reflect meaningfully and support work toward truth, healing and reconciliation. Every Child Matters open houses will be held Sept. 5, 12 and 26 at Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House, where visitors can learn about the orange shirt’s significance and share what Every Child Matters means to them.

On Sept. 30, residents are encouraged to wear orange to honour residential-school survivors. City Hall at Surrey Civic Plaza will be illuminated in orange. Residents can also explore Surrey’s Indigenous Public Art Collection and visit Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools at Museum of Surrey’s Indigenous Hall, produced with Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation.

Orange Shirt Day is inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s experience of having her orange shirt taken away on her first day at Indian residential school. The City also directs residents to Surrey Libraries book recommendations, the Surrey Urban Indigenous Strategy, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s reports and 94 Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous-made films in the National Film Board’s online collection.