What’s happening in Greater Victoria to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30 honours those who died in residential schools, and the families and communities affected by the system's legacy
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Dancer Keisha Jones performed at Centennial Square during last year's Xe xe Smun' eem - Victoria Orange Shirt Day ceremony. Photo: Photo: Zoë Ducklow / Capital Daily
Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: a day to recognize the harm that residential schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, and to honour and commemorate those who have been affected by this injustice.
We have compiled a list of events happening all day today in Greater Victoria, where you can celebrate Indigenous culture, learn about reconciliation, hear from survivors, and understand the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to actions.
Whether or not you are able to attend any of these events, you’re encouraged to wear an orange shirt today (see where you can buy a locally designed orange shirt here).
Youth Art for Reconciliation exhibit
What: On Tuesday, Eddy Charlie, a former residential school survivor, held a commencement for the Youth Art for Reconciliation exhibit in the Lower Rotunda in BC’s legislature. For the next week, you can see how Indigenous youths express what Truth and Reconciliation Day means to them.
Where: Lower Rotunda, Legislature
When: Sept 27-Oct 3.
How to attend: Free, walk-in
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South Island Powwoww
What: Through song and dance, celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency in this all-day event at Royal Athletic Park. Featuring intertribal dance groups, the goal is to sing and dance together while memorializing the past and looking to the future. Doors open at 10am, and the opening ceremony begins at 11am, performances follow throughout the day.
Where: Royal Athletic Park
When: Friday, Sept. 30, 10am-12am.
How to attend: Free, Walk-in
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Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray on Orange Shirt Day in 2021. Photo provided by the City of Victoria
Xe Xe Smun’ Eem-Victoria Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters Ceremony
What: The ceremony will include Indigenous performances, a flag raising, a minute of silence, and guest speakers who will share their personal experiences with residential schools and reconciliation. Read more about the event’s founders here.
Where: Centennial Square
When: Friday, Sept. 30. 10am–12:30pm
How to attend: Free, walk-in. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the City of Victoria’s Facebook page.
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Truth Before Reconciliation
What: A live event with music, film, and discussion hosted by the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC). The film is Healing Nation by Symbia Barnaby, an Indigenous woman of Haida and Mi’kmaq descent living in northern British Columbia. SNIWWOC will be hosting an open discussion after the film with Barnaby to discuss the legacy of displacement, familial trauma and the power of healing through storytelling.
Where: Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St.
When: Friday, Sept. 30. 4:30-7:30pm
How to attend: Tickets online, suggested donation $15
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Navigating a Path Forward with Truth as the Inspiration
What: Conversation with curator Monique Gray Smith and CBC host of The Next Chapter, Shelagh Rogers, about the importance of the truth and how it can be an inspiration in our path forward.
Where: Victoria Events Centre. Accessibility note: the elevator at the venue is broken, and unfortunately attendees must climb a flight of 27 stairs to enter the space.
Live Streaming is available.
When: Friday, Sept. 30. Doors open at 7pm. Seating is not assigned.
How to attend: Tickets are $19.62 for in person, and free for livestream.
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Truth & Reconciliation Day Ride
What: Capital Bike will again host a ride to honour survivors of residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a family-safe route that follows an accessible path from Songhees Park to Royal Athletic Park. The ride starts at 10am with a send-off from Diane Sam of the Songhees Nation, and will arrive at the Royal Athletic Park in time for the South Island Powwow’s Grand Entry Ceremony. Capital Bike will have a secure bike valet at Royal Athletic Park.
Where: Start at Songhees Park, and ride to Royal Athletic Park
When: Friday, Sept. 30. 10am to 11:45am
How to attend: Free, ride in
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Sooke Truth for Reconciliation at the library
What: All are welcome to the Orange Shirt Day event at 12:30-1:30pm outside the lower entrance to Vancouver Island Regional Library branch in Sooke. Monique Pat, a member of the T'Sou-ke First Nation, will emcee the event with T'Sou-ke First Nation Elder Shirley Alphonse starting the ceremony with a blessing. Wear orange and bring a chair.
When: Friday, Sept. 30. 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Sooke Vancouver Island Regional Library, 6671 Wadams Way. The library will be closed, but has approved of this event.
How to attend: Free, walk in
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