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A ceremony held earlier this year at Minoru Park honoured the lost children and survivors of residential schools. On Thursday, Richmond joins all Canadians for the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Photo by Don Fennell
Richmond honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Published 3:06 PDT, Tue September 28, 2021
Last Updated: 2:43 PDT, Thu October 7, 2021
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Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. And this Thursday (Sept. 30) is an opportunity to commemorate, educate and reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides an important opportunity for us all to pause, reflect and learn about Indigenous histories, and the legacy of residential schools,” said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Residential schools are a tragic part of Canada’s shared history, resulting in a painful legacy and multi-generational impacts to Indigenous peoples.”
Like many municipalities and levels of government, some of Richmond’s civic services will be limited on that day. While city hall will close, community centres, arenas, and swimming pools will remain open to serve the community.
Established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action No. 80, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and ensures that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The date coincides with Orange Shirt Day that honours the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a former residential school student who had her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, taken away on her first day at residential school. The orange shirt has since become a symbol of remembrance of all Indigenous children removed from their families to attend residential schools. City staff at community facilities will wear orange ribbons or shirts during the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 in recognition of residential school survivors.
Various city facilities are offering educational programs and interactive displays in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will prominently feature book collections on Indigenous perspectives. And all city staff will be required to complete Indigenous awareness training over the coming months and interactive workshops on Indigenous peoples and culture will be available.
For information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
For more information on Orange Shirt Day, visit www.orangeshirtday.org/
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