NEWS | SRD to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30

Campbell River, BC—The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, September 30, in alignment with the federal observance. The SRD board and staff are committed to continuous learning and building meaningful relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of this region as we work toward reconciliation.

This federal day of remembrance honours the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It is a time to reflect on this painful history and its ongoing impacts.

In recognition of this day, SRD facilities will have closures and limited operations:

• The SRD Corporate Office at 990 Cedar Street in Campbell River will be closed.
• Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex will offer limited operations:
  • Public Swim, Everyone Welcome Skate & Pond Hockey: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • Arena remains open for all pre-booked user groups
  • All regular programming and classes are cancelled

The SRD encourages employees and the wider community to observe this important day, whether through personal reflection, education, participating in awareness activities in your community, or wearing orange to raise awareness that ‘Every Child Matters.’

For more information about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action, please visit the Government of Canada’s website at www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

Organizations sharing information and hosting free events and webinars for Truth and Reconciliation:

• Laichwiltach Family Life Society: Hosting the Annual Every Child Matters Walk on Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 am in Campbell River’s Spirit Square. A ceremony and light lunch will follow.
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Offers a series of impactful webinars to broaden understanding of colonialism’s legacy and the ongoing work toward reconciliation. Join daily lunch and learn sessions from September 22-26: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/lunch-and-learns/
• Orange Shirt Society: Dedicated to raising awareness about the lasting impacts of the residential school system in Canada and promoting the message that “Every Child Matters.” The society fosters reconciliation through education and community engagement: https://orangeshirtday.org/
• Discover the Witness Blanket: A large-scale work of art containing hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and cultural structures across Canada: https://witnessblanket.ca
• Moose Hide Campaign: The Moose Hide Campaign is a nationwide movement that began in BC, uniting men and boys to end violence against women and children. Please view https://moosehidecampaign.cato learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and how you can show your support.
• The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: Offering free webinars on traditional Indigenous skills, practices, sports and reconciliation. Learn more at https://downiewenjack.ca/events
• Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (UBC):Provides online access to records supporting education on the history, legacy, and ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School system. Learn about schools and others records: https://collections.irshdc.ubc.ca/Explore/schools
• Royal BC Museum: Explore their learning portal, which pays tribute to Residential School survivors. Discover resources: https://learning.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/?post_type=&s=residential

For additional reading, watching, or audio materials, explore the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s Indigenous Interest page: https://virl.bc.ca/read-watch-listen/audience/indigenous/

To donate to Indigenous Charities: www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-indigenous-charities