Burnaby honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Burnaby is committed to actively working with the host Nations on whose unceded territory the City of Burnaby is located, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples, as well as the urban Indigenous population who live in Burnaby, to advance reconciliation by building and maintaining positive relationships to meaningfully do this important work together – on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) and all days. Throughout this month in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City will host multiple events and activities for community members to engage in opportunities to learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples, including the tragic and painful history of residential schools, and to engage in the healing and reconciliation process. 

Children and youth can take part in the Second Annual City of Burnaby’s Hope and Health Community Camp on September 21. This free one-day ReconciliACTION soccer camp features cultural teachings, training sessions with coaches, mentors and traditional knowledge keepers. Enjoy a fun-filled day of soccer skills, drills and challenges for children and youth of all soccer abilities, as well as arts, crafts, face painting and bouncy castles. It's an opportunity for children and youth to engage in the path to reconciliation.

At Shadbolt Centre for the Arts on September 26 and 27, watch Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children. By blending oral tradition, multimedia, mature content and a touch of humour, Indigenous storyteller Dallas Yellowfly seeks to educate audiences on the ongoing effects of the Indian Act and the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island to break the cycles of oppression caused by Residential Schools. Audience 13+ years.

Throughout the month of September, the public can also explore artworks by Indigenous artists inside City Hall from the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection, and pick-up a free commemorative pin. The artworks on display explore the interconnectedness of residential schools, land use, ecological health and language. The public can also contribute to the display by creating an orange shirt craft and dropping it off at City Hall.  

For these and other activities, visit Burnaby.ca/TruthAndReconciliation 

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The City of Burnaby recognizes that we are on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim speaking peoples and are grateful to be on this territory.