
Where gatherings to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are being held in B.C.
CBC
Thursday, Sept. 30 will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — an annual commemoration honouring the children who died while attending residential schools and the survivors, families and communities still affected by the legacy of the residential school system.
The creation of the new federal statutory holiday was approved by Parliament days after the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation confirmed the discovery of roughly 200 potential burial sites, likely of children, on the grounds of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.
It coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 to honour those who attended residential schools.
Thursday is not a provincial holiday in B.C., but is for federal government services and in federally regulated industries such as banking. Other organizations and businesses may choose to close.
Several communities across the province are holding gatherings and ceremonies on Thursday.
The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (VAFC) and the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre (VACPC) are gathering with elders and their families on Thursday for a walk and ceremony at Grandview Park.
Attendees are asked to wear orange and meet at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre at 9 a.m. PT.