In recognition of the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of North Vancouver raised the Every Child Matters flag on Sept. 25 and will lower the Canadian and British Columbia flags on Sept. 30. City Hall will light up orange in honour of the children who never returned home, the Survivors, and to acknowledge the horrors and ongoing impacts of residential schools. City social media accounts will also be paused out of respect for the day on Sept. 30.
The City remains committed to working with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), government and community partners to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. To further this commitment, City staff will be given the time and resources for learning and reflection about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, in particular, the history of residential schools and the long-lasting impact on Survivors, their families and their communities.
Ways to Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City encourages all residents to participate in local events to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and to use this space for learning and reflection about the tragic legacy of residential schools, the intergenerational trauma and impacts of residential schools and colonization on local and urban Indigenous Peoples. Please visit our webpage for a full list of resources and events:
Ways to Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
City Services on Oct. 2
On Oct. 2, 2023, the City will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday with the closure of City facilities, including City Hall. Essential services will continue. City Hall will resume regular hours on Oct. 3, 2023.
IMPORTANT: On Sept. 30, 2023 construction is not permitted and inspections will not be scheduled.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As part of Call to Action #80, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on the Federal Government to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the Reconciliation process.
The National Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available 24/7 for anyone who may need counselling or support. Call 1-800-721-0066 or the 24-hr crisis line
1-866-925-4419.