CLOSENational Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. For information on local events and resources please see below.
Traditional Territory Acknowledgment
The City of Langford acknowledges and honours the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, specifically Xwsepsum (Esquimalt), Lekwungen (Songhees), Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay), and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum, and Malahat Nations. We thank them for sharing this beautiful land.
Orange Shirt Day
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, residents are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. For more information visit the Orange Shirt Society website: Phyllis’ Story (orangeshirtday.org)
Indigenous Canadian flag
“Standing together in support of each other.”
Curtis was born, raised and lived in Campbell River. His family came from the four corners of the Kwakwaka’wakw territory. Mulidzas is the traditional name handed to Curtis Wilson during a family Potlatch held in 2001. Curtis received a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from Malaspina University/College in 2002. He had been a part of the Laichwiltach Culture Group for many years and was very adamant about learning his culture and heritage.
On September 30th, Langford City Hall and Langford Fire Station 1 will fly the Indigenous Canadian flag at half mast.
Land swap deal will create jobs, greenspace protection and First Nation prosperity
March 14, 2017 – A historic partnership between three communities is promising to create jobs, protect valuable greenspace, and secure the economic future of the Beecher Bay (Sc’ianew) First Nation.
Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, presented the Letters Patent, which confirm the boundary changes to Langford and Metchosin, to Beecher Bay Chief Russ Chipps, Langford Mayor Stewart Young, and Metchosin Mayor John Ranns. Coming after months of community consultation and approvals from all levels of government, the boundary change will deliver both long-term preservation of parks and greenspace and economic enhancements for the entire region.
Annual ChangeMakers Gathering Festival
The annual ChangeMakers Gathering Festival is a free community event where everyone is welcome and honours indigenous culture, values, and history. We honour and appreciate the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers who graciously offer their guidance towards this important event. The event showcases Indigenous drum and dance groups, an Indigenous artisans market, drop-in cedar weaving workshop, a Bannock taco lunch, drop-in drum making workshops, and teen zone activities. The event is typically held on the first or second Saturday of June each year.
Professional consulting
For organizations or businesses that want to seek guidance for their work in truth and reconciliation, the following resources are available in Langford and the West Shore.
Listening and learning
As a part of the City’s ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, we have compiled a list of resources below to support the work of listening and learning. This list is by no means exhaustive, and we will continue to add to this list over time.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada Course
Royal Roads University – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day