This Saturday is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada and there is an event in Squamish to mark the occasion.
On Sept. 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will be activities in downtown Squamish to mark the annual day of commemoration for the victims and survivors of the Indian Residential Schools.
“It’s a day to honour the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors and intergenerational survivors and remember the children who never came home,” reads a provincial website about the day. “It's a chance to engage and educate people about B.C.'s colonial history and how it has and continues to impact Indigenous communities.”
Starting between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m., there will be a march from the Cleveland Avenue and Winnipeg Street intersection to O’Siyam Pavilion in Junction Park. Once at the park, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elders, survivors, youth and allies will speak to the crowd.
“The Skwxwu7mesh Nation would like to invite everyone to gather as a community to honour, remember & pay respect to the Survivors of Residential School & those who never made it home. We will also celebrate our resilience as Indigenous Peoples & the resurgence & reclamation of our ancestral teachings,” reads a Facebook post about the event.
“Na wa esxwexwkw i7xw ta menmen cht. Everyone is welcome!”
After the speeches, there will be a moment of silence around 2:15 p.m. with drummers and singing to follow. The event post advises people to wear orange shirts, dress for the weather and bring a lawn chair.
“Bring family and friends,” the post finishes.
For more information please check the event post on Facebook.
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