On behalf of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), we’d like to inform the broader community of our plans to host a private community gathering on Orange Shirt Day (National Truth and Reconciliation Day) this September 30, 2026.
This year, səlilwətaɬ Elders recommended that we focus on uplifting and supporting those who attended Residential and Day School and their descendants who have been impacted by their experiences. We are hosting a gathering where Survivors and Elders from around the region can connect with one another and share culture and a meal– activities some of them were not permitted to engage in at Residential School.
We look forward to seeing you at future public gatherings hosted by our Nation.
Support Tsleil-Waututh Nation Residential School Survivors Fund
We welcome you to contribute to the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Residential School Survivors Fund if it is within your means. Your contribution helps fund programs, services, and initiatives that promote healing, strengthen cultural connection, and nurture the holistic well-being of our səlilwətaɬ community.
“Every Child Matters” Crosswalk
The orange crosswalk design, “Every Child Matters”, was created by səlilwətaɬ artist Candace Thomas in honour of the Residential School Survivors, and for the ones who never made it home. The Thunderbird embraces both Residential School Survivors and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
If you are driving through our community, you will see it at the intersection of Dollarton Highway and Sleil-Waututh Road in North Vancouver. You may also notice the orange banners on ten streetlight poles throughout our community. We wish to take this opportunity to remind drivers of our posted 40 kilometres per hour speed limit through our Tsleil-Waututh Nation community, for the safety and wellbeing of everyone.
Allyship
There are many ways to demonstrate allyship with Indigenous communities in September and throughout the year. Visit these links for more information:
Check out these North Shore events for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – North Shore News
Programs and Events – North Vancouver – MONOVA
Films for The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation from Indigenous Voices
– The Polygon Gallery
Orange Shirt Day At UBC Includes A Virtual Exhibit – The University of British Columbia
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Vancouver Events 2026 – Miss604
Resources
The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The origins of Orange Shirt Day and the Residential School System of Canada – Orange Shirt Day
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act – Government of Canada
City of Vancouver UNDRIP Action Plan 2024-2028 – City of Vancouver
Remembering the Children – APTN
- On September 30, 2026, APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will host Remembering the Children, a multilingual commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill, starting at 9:00 am Pacific Time.
