On Tuesday, September 30th, Canada will recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day in acknowledgment of the historic abuses and oppression Indigenous Peoples in Canada have experienced, as well as the richness of Indigenous culture, history, and contributions.
To help us all learn more and experience Indigenous culture firsthand, we have created a list of activities and events in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, that we encourage newcomers, ISSofBC staff, and other British Columbians to attend, demonstrating their support for Indigenous communities across the province.
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Vancouver
Join the community on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a collective act of remembrance for those lost and in honour of survivors, promoting a shared path toward healing. Centered on the theme “Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future,” the event at Grandview Park will feature an Indigenous market, a sacred fire, and a program of cultural performances. Participants are asked to wear orange and can bring drums to join an Honour Walk that commences at 10:00 AM from the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, proceeding to the park for the day’s events.
Location: Grandview Park,1657 Charles St, Vancouver, BC
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Sugarcane Film Screening at Pacific Theatre for NDTR
Experience the Oscar-nominated documentary Sugarcane, a powerful film by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie that portrays the investigation into unmarked graves at the Kamloops residential school while highlighting the resilience of Indigenous communities. This one-night-only screening, hosted by Jodi Spargur and co-sponsored by Red Clover and Pacific Theatre, will be followed by a facilitated discussion and will offer post-show resources. All proceeds from the event will support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, and tickets are limited.
Location: Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Get tickets: $25
Truth & Reconciliation Day at MONOVA
To commemorate the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, MONOVA is hosting an event focused on cultural sharing and educational reflection. Under the guidance of Indigenous Cultural Programmers Jordan Dawson and Tsawaysia Spukwus, the event will offer all-ages activities such as storytelling, drumming, and crafts, alongside guided gallery tours. Attendees can also engage with interactive displays that explore the history of Indigenous rights and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day.
Location: MONOVA, 115 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Free entrance – Register here
Burnaby
Walking Together: Truth & Reconciliation Day at BVM
On Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Burnaby Village Museum’s Indigenous team will host a day of reflective workshops designed to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge. Led by cultural experts, the sessions will cover vital topics such as Squamish language revitalization, traditional weaving with weaver Rita Kompst, and the history of Residential Schools. The event also features supplementary activities including documentary screenings, conservation talks, and a pin-making station, all centered on the path to reconciliation.
Location: Burnaby Village Museum, 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby, BC
Meet at the Front Gate Entrance of the Admin Building
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free Entrance – Register here
National Truth & Reconciliation Day Toonie Skate
Celebrate Orange Shirt Day with a community Toonie Skate at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre for a $2 admission. The event features arts and crafts activities that reflect the day’s significance, alongside the public skating session. Skates and helmets are provided, participation is free for children four and under, and attendees are encouraged to wear orange in a show of remembrance and solidarity.
Location: Bill Copeland Sports Centre, 3676 Kensington Ave, Burnaby, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Times: 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Admission: $2 (free for children 4 and under)
Coquitlam
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Empowering Voices Through Art
Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through art at a free, all-ages workshop hosted by Place des Arts. Under the guidance of Indigenous artists Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert, participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to promote dialogue and strengthen community bonds through artistic exploration. Due to limited space and materials, advance registration is required for these sessions, which welcome children accompanied by adults.
Location: Place des Arts, 1120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Times: 1:00 – 2:30 PM and 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Free entrance (registration required; no walk-ins)
Tickets:
Day of Reflection and Learning
The City of Coquitlam and Coquitlam Public Library invite the community to a day of learning and reflection at Glen Pine Pavilion with programs designed for all ages. The schedule includes a children’s story time, a film screening of Bones of Crows for those 14 and older, an adult storytelling session, and ongoing educational resources from the library. This event provides a space for participants to engage creatively and thoughtfully with the themes of Truth and Reconciliation.
Location: Glen Pine Pavilion, 1200 Gln Pne Ct, Coquitlam, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Free entrance
New Westminster
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Queen’s Park
The Spirit of the Children Society invites you to a ceremonial gathering for Truth and Reconciliation, led by Head Man and Head Woman Dorothy and William Visser. The event will feature drumming and dancing by the Buffalo Thunder Group, along with food trucks and local vendors. This is an opportunity for all to gather in a spirit of remembrance, honouring residential school survivors and the children lost, while standing together in solidarity with the strength of Indigenous communities.
Location: Queen’s Park South Fields, 51 3rd Ave, New Westminster, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free entrance
Prince George
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025: Lheidli T’enneh Commemorative Gathering
A powerful community gathering at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park will commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through cultural ceremonies. The event will focus on healing with traditional drumming, storytelling, and a concluding round dance to honour residential school survivors and their families. Wearing orange is encouraged as a collective tribute to Indigenous resilience and strength.
Location: Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, 17th Ave, Prince George, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Free entrance
Richmond
Survivors’ Flag and Orange Illumination
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Survivors’ Flag will be displayed at City Hall as a powerful symbol honouring residential school survivors and affected communities. Throughout the week leading up to September 30th, the Together statue at Minoru Centre for Active Living will be illuminated in orange light. These visual displays serve as public acknowledgments of this important period of remembrance and reflection.
Location:
Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
Minoru Centre for Active Living, 7191 Granville Ave Unit #2060, Richmond, BC
Date: Week of September 23–30, 2025 (orange illumination), Flag display on September 30, 2025
Free entrance
Indigenous Short Films Screening
Brighouse Library will present a series of short films by Indigenous filmmakers to support education and reflection. The curated selection, which includes films such as My Friend the Green Horse, Woodland Spirits, and Now is the Time, will be shown on a rotating loop. Visitors are welcome to view the screenings at their convenience during regular library hours.
Location: Richmond Public Library (Brighouse), 7700 Minoru Gate #100, Richmond, BC
Date: Tuesday September 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Free entrance | Drop-in (no registration required)
Squamish
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the SLCC
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre invites visitors to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through land-based learning and cultural immersion. Guests can experience living Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl traditions through storytelling, craft activities, guided tours, and an artist market across the facility’s various spaces. While admission is free for visitors 18 and under, ticket proceeds support Indigenous-led cultural training and language revitalization programs.
Location: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, 4584 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Surrey
Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park
This Orange Shirt Day, community partners including the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee invite the public to an event for truth-telling and cultural sharing to honour Residential School Survivors and the children who did not return. The gathering will commence with a unified Drum March from Surrey City Hall to Holland Park, followed in the park by ceremonies and performances led by Elders and youth, such as storytelling, dancing, and a community round dance. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to show solidarity.
Location: Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC
Date: Monday September 29, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Drum March from City Hall begins at 3:45 PM)
Free entrance
