City pays tribute to survivors and victims of the residential school system through various events and initiatives.
The City of Coquitlam is joining communities across Canada in paying tribute to the survivors of the residential school system, the children who did not return home, and their families and communities.
On Monday, September 30, some civic facilities and services will have limited hours or closures. Visit coquitlam.ca/Hours for more details.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 serves as a day for Canadians to reflect on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples. To honor this day, the Survivors’ flag will be displayed at Coquitlam City Hall from September 27 to 30.
Between September 23 and 30, Coquitlam will host various events and initiatives designed to promote reflection, remembrance, and learning. Special lighting along Pinetree Way and at Lafarge Lake will be illuminated in orange to symbolize the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
Local opportunities for learning and reflection include:
Dogwood Pavilion offers a ‘Truth and Reconciliation: Tea and Bannock’ event on September 26.
The Evergreen Cultural Centre presents a comic workshop titled ‘Towards Truth and Reconciliation’ on September 27.
A ‘Day of Reflection’ takes place at Glen Pine Pavilion on September 30, featuring a documentary screening and resources from the Coquitlam Public Library.
Place des Arts on September 30 hosts ‘Finding Your Voice: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation’ with Indigenous discussions and art activities.
The Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex holds an ‘Orange Shirt Day Toonie Skate’ on September 30.
Town Centre Park Community Centre offers a ‘Cedar Friendship Bracelet Workshop’ on September 28.
Coquitlam’s commitment to reconciliation is a key part of its 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan. The city remains dedicated to building strong relationships with Indigenous communities through cooperative approaches to reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day began as a grassroots initiative in Williams Lake, BC, marking the memory of Phyllis Webstad’s orange shirt, taken from her in residential school. Wearing orange throughout September honors those impacted by the residential school system.
The Survivors’ Flag, created in partnership with survivors, symbolizes the impact of the residential school system and was developed in response to discoveries of unmarked graves at former school sites.
Learning about Indigenous history and culture is a step toward reconciliation. Resources are available through the Coquitlam Public Library, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and other organizations.