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.

We are honoured to present the following programs and activities leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Schedule:

Hummingbird’s Embrace, illustrated by Ryan Johnston

The City of Burnaby proudly announces the launch of a new pin and colouring sheet commemorating our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. To pick up your free commemorative pin, visit Burnaby City Hall or any Burnaby recreation centre or library.*

The pin is an opportunity to symbolize our dedication to actively working to advance reconciliation and acknowledge the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada, and to honour the children who never returned home, as well as survivors of residential schools and their families and communities.

Designed by Indigenous artist Ryan Johnston, these pins feature a beautifully crafted image of a hummingbird, soaring gracefully in the wind, with its gaze fixed upon a heart. In Coast Salish culture, the hummingbird is a significant symbol of peace, love, and healing. It teaches us to appreciate the miracles of life and encourages us to focus on positivity amidst challenges. By embodying the spirit of joy and resilience, the hummingbird serves as a messenger, bridging the human and spirit worlds, and reminding us that comfort and healing are always within reach.

The pins are not just decorative; they are emblematic of our collective journey towards reconciliation, a journey that requires the active engagement of all members of our staff and community. They symbolize our shared values of Community, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Passion, which guide us in our mission to create the Burnaby we all aspire to live in and be in.

As you wear this pin, we encourage you to reflect on the significance of reconciliation and to engage in the ongoing dialogues and actions that support the healing process for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike. Together, we can honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a future rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Let these hummingbird pins serve as a reminder of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and inspire us all to contribute to a more inclusive and harmonious community.

About the artist

Ryan Johnston, an interdisciplinary artist and athlete of mixed Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Celtic descent, merges traditional Coast Salish artistry with contemporary expressions. His work is deeply rooted in the stories and traditions of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community, and he draws inspiration from the natural world and the dynamic movements within it. Ryan's passion for both art and extreme sports reflects his commitment to creating positive change within his community and informs his vision for reconciliation through this design.

*Limited quantities. Only while supplies last. Available during facility open hours.

Join the Second Annual City of Burnaby Hope and Health Community Camp in honor of Truth and Reconciliation Week.

September 21, 10 am-1 pm
Location: Burnaby Lake Sports Complex West, Fields 1 and 3, 3677 Kensington Avenue
Open to children and youth ages 3 to 18 years

This free event, hosted by the City of Burnaby in partnership with the Hope and Health Society, leads up to the National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day. This one-day 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 our youngest citizens to engage in the path to reconciliation.

Every participant receives a free custom designed orange jersey and soccer ball. There will also be lunch for all participants at 12:30 pm after a closing ceremony.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required. No drop-ins.

Hope-and-Health-Camp-Questions-and-Answers.pdf

Thank you to our community partners:

About the jersey design

All participants will receive a custom designed orange soccer jersey. The design Eagle's Embrace represents the spirit of soccer and depicts an eagle embracing the sport.

The artist, Candace Thomas, is a proud member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and part of the Coast Salish community of artists. She is the great-granddaughter of the late Chief Dan George who inspired Candy from a young age to follow her talent through her artwork. Candy has a deep connection to the land and waters that surround her home community. Using this gives her strength and inspiration which she uses in her unique designs. Through her community, she stays connected to her ancestors who guide her on her path forward, staying healthy and happy. She hopes to encourage the younger generation to pick up a paint brush or a coloured pencil and share their artistic talents. She would like to acknowledge her teachers Damien George TWN, the late Dan Thomas TWN and Rick Harry of Squamish Nation.

Location: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave

September 26, 11 am
Tickets: Free (part of Culture Days)
Complimentary tickets available at Box Office upon arrival (limited tickets)

September 26 and 27, 7:30 pm
Tickets: $25

Buy tickets

Indigenous storyteller Dallas Yellowfly brings to life "Qwalena: The Wild Woman Who Steals Children", a unique and scary multimedia performance. By blending oral tradition, multimedia, mature content, and a touch of humor, 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.

Preview

All through September, explore artworks by Indigenous artists inside of City Hall from the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection. The artworks on display explore the interconnectedness of residential schools, land use, ecological health and language. Included is a work from Secwepemc artist Tania Willard's Crazymaking series.

“Crazymaking is about sharing our stories, the beauty, the anger, the confusion, the protest of the living in between worlds … [it] is a visual journey through aboriginal experience, history and healing of mental health issues.”

Willard’s Hiawatha Indian Insane Asylum will be shown alongside works from artists such as Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun, Atheana Picha, Susan Point and Gabrielle L'Hirondelle Hill.

Image credit: Tania Willard, Hiawatha Indian Insane Asylum (from the series Crazymaking), 2007 woodcut on paper, ed. 1/6. 36.0 cm x 51.0 cm, City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection, Gift of the Artist

Join us for family-friendly activities and ice skating. All ages welcome. $2 per person (free for children 3 years and under). Skates and helmet are included in admission fee.

Bill Copeland Sports Centre

3676 Kensington Avenue
Monday, September 30

11:30 am-1 pm
1:30-3 pm

Kensington Complex

6159 Curtis Street
Monday, September 30

4-5:30 pm
6-7:30 pm

Lighting up City Hall orange on September 30 to commemorate and raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada and to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Join us in creating an orange shirt to incorporate in our City Hall display

If you would like your completed orange shirt crafts to be incorporated into the community display, please drop them off at Burnaby City Hall at the Customer Service Desk throughout August and September.

Download the template