Orange Shirt Day (National Truth and Reconciliation Day) takes place annually on September 30. This day is vivid reminder of the children being honoured, the Survivors being believed, and that the truths about Residential and Day Schools are not confined to history, but present in our shared journey today.
Our səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) community is hosting gatherings to commemorate the Residential School experience and honour the healing journey of all Tsleil-Waututh Survivors and their families. We also intend to further enhance awareness, accountability, and action by settler and non-Indigenous community members.
In order to redress the legacy of Residential Schools and advance the process of reconciliation across Turtle Island, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) made 94 calls to action in 2015. They cover areas like: Child Welfare, Education, Language and Culture, Justice, and Health.
Ten years later, only 14 calls to action are complete. While this can be discouraging, it also reflects the complex, generational nature of the work. Meaningful reconciliation demands not just policy changes, but fundamental shifts in how Canada understands itself and how Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island are treated.
Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, and there’s more work to be done. Here are some ideas on how you can walk alongside us and other Indigenous communities:
- Educate Yourself: Read, watch, and listen to Indigenous-led work.
- Challenge Stereotypes: Speak up against racism, discrimination, and misinformation.
- Support Indigenous Initiatives: Join public events hosted by Tsleil-Waututh Nation and other local First Nations, and bring reconciliation efforts to your school or workplace.
- Corporate Commitment: Companies can build respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities by committing to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and share the long-term benefits of economic projects.
- Ensure Inclusion: Ensure Indigenous peoples have equitable access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities.
The TRC clearly outlined a path toward reconciliation. Join together with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in paddling towards reconciliACTION.
Event Road Closures Notices:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Please be advised that Dollarton Hwy between Ellis St. and Ravenwoods Dr. as well as Sleil-Waututh Rd between Dollarton Hwy and Ghum-Lye Dr. will be temporarily closed for our event to take place safely. We anticipate the closure to take 30 minutes, between 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025: Please be advised that Dollarton Highway and adjacent side streets will be temporarily closed between Whey-ah-Wichen (Cates Park) and Sleil-Waututh Rd. We anticipate the rolling closure to take approximately 2.5 hours between 12:00 PM-2:30 PM on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
These road closures will impact bus routes through the area. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. We will post live updates on X and Facebook.
Resources for Learning:
