White Rock’s annual Truth and Reconciliation walk is set for Sept. 30

Semiahmoo First Nation will hold its sixth annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation in White Rock on Sept. 30. A City of White Rock release says the event recognizes the experiences of residential school survivors and reflects the continuing journey toward truth and reconciliation.

The walk begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza in East Beach and continues to Semiahmoo Park. Performances by Kwel Eng Sen Youth Dancers and JB The First Lady, an Indigenous market and a complimentary lunch will follow. Phyllis Webstad, CEO and co-founder of Orange Shirt Society, will deliver the keynote address. The release says Webstad is widely recognized for raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day and its Every Child Matters message.

Participants are encouraged to wear orange shirts to raise awareness of residential schools and their impact on the Indigenous community. Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell said the walk honours children who never returned home, recognizes the strength of survivors and their families, and helps ensure their stories continue to be heard.

Semiahmoo First Nation, the City of White Rock, Alex House, the Government of Canada, Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, White Rock RCMP and Surrey Police Service are presenting the event, which concludes at 2 p.m. Mayor Megan Knight said it offers the community an opportunity to gather, listen and learn. More information is available at whiterockcity.ca.