The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Monday, September 30, and the District of West Vancouver will be raising the Survivors' flag on Friday, September 27.
The raising of the orange Survivors' flag is a way to show support for Indigenous people, and to honour the survivors and intergenerational survivors of the Residential School system and its lasting effects. This is an important step on the journey of truth and reconciliation, and everyone is invited and welcome to attend this event.
A community member from Squamish Nation will lead with their words as we gather to reflect on the significance of this day. Members of the West Vancouver Police Department and West Vancouver Fire & Rescue, colleagues from North Shore Emergency Management, and District staff will also be present.
Wear your orange shirt and join us to witness the raising of the flag at 9 a.m. on Friday, September 27, at Municipal Hall at 750 17th Street. Together we will stand in support of Indigenous people and to remember those who have been lost within their communities.
Ways to participate and learn
- Read about the origin of Orange Shirt Day from Phyllis Webstad’s story from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action and learn about their progress
- How to Support Tsleil-Waututh Nation Day School and Residential School Survivors - Tsleil-Waututh Nation (twnation.ca)
- The Survivors’ Flag - National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Programming and resources at the West Vancouver Memorial Library
- Programming at the West Vancouver Art Museum
- Truth & Reconciliation | District of West Vancouver
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Canada.ca
This can be a very triggering topic, and may affect people in different ways. KUU-US Crisis Line Society is a BC-wide Indigenous Crisis and Support Line that is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-588-8717.