City to provide opportunities for reflection and understanding through local events.
To mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Coquitlam will host and support a variety of local events and resources offering residents opportunities for reflection, understanding, and connection.
Some civic facilities and services will be closed or have reduced hours on Tuesday, September 30. For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/holidayhours.
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day recognized in Canada to acknowledge the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, honor Survivors, and remember the children who never returned home.
The City will host and support opportunities for learning and reflection, including illuminating lighting features along Pinetree Way and at Lafarge Lake in orange from September 27 to 30 and raising the Survivor’s Flag at Coquitlam City Hall from September 29 to 30.
Residents are encouraged to participate in offered events or seek ways to enhance their learning about Truth and Reconciliation.
September 25: Dogwood Pavilion will host a Truth and Reconciliation Tea and Bannock. This free event highlights reconciliation through guided discussions.
September 28: Mundy Park Pool will feature ‘Stories Behind the Circle of Life and smə́q́ʷaʔ’ with opportunities to learn about cultural recognition pieces.
September 30: Glen Pine Pavilion will offer various learning opportunities from children’s activities to adult workshops.
September 30: Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex will be open with reduced hours with educational displays and Orange Shirt Day pins available.
September 30: Place des Arts will host ‘Empowering Voices Through Art’ with Indigenous artists guiding participants.
To learn more about local Reconciliation events, visit coquitlam.ca/NDTR.
Reconciliation is a key focus in Coquitlam’s Strategic Plan, reflecting the City’s dedication to strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples.
September 30 began as an Indigenous-led initiative in Williams Lake, B.C., known as Orange Shirt Day, originating from the story of Phyllis Webstad.
Resources to learn more about Indigenous histories and cultures are available online through various platforms.
Media inquiries can be directed to Cory Paterson, Director Intergovernmental and External Relations at 604-927-4317 or cpaterson@coquitlam.ca.
We acknowledge that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, meaning ‘Red Fish Up the River’, from the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional lands.