NANAIMO — The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is upon as once again, the third year Sept. 30 has been officially recognized to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools.
A number of events are taking place across the mid-Island, as municipalities, school boards, and local First Nation members come together for this somber day.
Community members attending any event are encouraged to wear orange to show support for Orange Shirt Day, also on Sept. 30.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was built on this day, based on the story of Phyllis Webstad’s having her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the Mission Residential School.
Nanaimo
The City of Nanaimo is hosting free family-friendly public events with a focus on community well-being, dubbed Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation.
From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., there will be free activities at Oliver Woods Community Centre, the Nanaimo Ice Centre, and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre.
More information on events around Nanaimo can be found here at nanaimo.ca/goto/truth.
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools will be holding a private ceremony on Sept. 30 in partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), to celebrate a new welcome pole created by SFN artist, Noel Brown.
Oceanside
The City of Parksville’s Civic and Technology Centre (100 Jensen Ave.) will be lit orange from Sept. 26 until Oct 4., as well as flying a Truth and Reconciliation commemorative flag.
The Town of Qualicum Beach has a new exhibition on display on the history of residential schools at the Qualicum Beach Museum (587 Beach Rd.).
Flags will be flown at half-mast at the Regional District of Nanaimo administration building and recreation facilities, and orange ribbons will be tied to the RDN transit bus mirrors.
The District of Lantzville is bringing back their Orange Day in the Bay on Sept. 30, described as a “healing event of support and unity”, while also raising funds and awareness for the youth of Snaw Naw As First Nation.
The event goes from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Huddlestone Park, located off Lantzville Rd, with live music, food trucks, and an honour ceremony with Indigenous speakers on the docket.
Admission to this event is by donation, and it’ll go rain or shine.
Space will also be made on-site for collective mourning and mental health support. More information on Orange Day in the Bay can be found here.
(Orange Day in the Bay)For more information on this day, you can click here to visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, click here to go to orangeshirtday.org.
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