Community invited to tree-wrapping events in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

Community members are invited to orange tree-wrapping events in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Each gathering will include words, drumming and reflection before participants divide into small groups to wrap trees in orange.

The trees are intended as visible reminders to honour children who never came home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities, while encouraging learning, reflection and action toward reconciliation.

Stephen Quinlan of Alouette Addictions Services, who has organized the initiative for four years, said its meaning goes beyond wrapping a tree. He said the collective effect of seeing the trees throughout the community is powerful. The events are being planned with guidance from local Indigenous partners and attention to cultural protocol.

Indigenous voices will shape each gathering, with a territorial welcome, cultural teachings and/or prayer and drumming, as well as remarks from Alouette Addictions Services and invited community representatives. Quinlan said he is grateful for the learning and relationships developed through the events, particularly with Katzie First Nation.

Executive director Kristy Rogge said Truth and Reconciliation requires ongoing learning, relationship-building and reflection, not an annual acknowledgment alone. She thanked Katzie First Nation, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community members for sharing knowledge and guiding learning.

People of all ages are welcome. The first event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Spirit Square, 11985 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows. The second is at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge, on 224 Street between Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk Road. Information is available from Alouette Addiction Services Society at 604-467-5179.