In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2024, the City of North Vancouver’s City Hall will light up orange in honour of the children who never returned home and the Survivors, and to acknowledge the horrors and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
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 continue to have opportunities for learning and reflection to support their own reconciliation journeys and understanding of reconciliation, truth telling, and the long-lasting impacts of residential schools to the communities that they support.
Ways to Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City encourages all residents to participate in local events to commemorate and reflect during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
North Vancouver City Library
- Children's storytime focusing on Indigenous ways of knowing and learning:
- September 27 at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
- Adult programs:
- September 23 - October 7 - Third-floor display on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- September 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m. - Film screening: Voices Across the Water
More Information on North Vancouver City Library events may be found here.
MONOVA
- Create & Connect: Truth & Reconciliation at MONOVA. On September 30, programming at MONOVA will be offered free for families to gather and reflect. Many activities will be available throughout the day for families to learn from together. Drop in or register.
More information may be found here.
Gathering at the MMIWG Strength and Remembrance Pole
- September 27, 11:00 a.m. at the Strength and Reconciliation Pole located at 147 E 14th St E, North Vancouver.
- Community partners will be gathering at the Strength and Remembrance Pole for a ceremony led by elder Xelemilh in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. Organizers include the Integrated First Nations Unit, North Vancouver RCMP, First Nations Court and North Shore Violence Against Women Committee.
City Services on September 30
On September 30, 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 October 1, 2024.
IMPORTANT: On September 30, 2024 construction is not permitted and inspections will not be scheduled.
City social media accounts will also be paused out of respect for the day on September 30.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action #80, the Federal Government established, 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. Additionally, On March 9, 2023, the Province of British Columbia passed legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday locally.
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.