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.
South Island Powwow
The annual South Island Powwow is an opportunity to recognize Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation. Through song and dance, the Songhees Nation invites you to join them to celebrate traditional Indigenous cultures and resiliency. First Nations far and wide, have been welcomed to join Songhees Nation on this day to celebrate in their time-honoured powwow. In 2022, the powwow brought 10,000 together to witness Indigenous resiliency to stand together on Orange Shirt Day.
The City of Langford is a sponsor of the South Island Powwow.
When: September 30th, 2023
Gates Open at 10 am, Grand Entries at 12 pm & 6 pm. Colours retire at midnight.
Where: Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia Ave, Victoria, BC
Free admission
Everyone Welcome
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)
Orange Shirts are available for purchase in the West Shore at the following locations:
The Goldstream Gazette, 1-847 Goldstream Avenue
Medicine Wheel Publishing, 3202 Happy Valley Rd Unit B
Royal Roads University Campus Store, 2005 Sooke Rd, or online here
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.
If you are looking for a book to support your journey in Truth and Reconciliation, visit the store located at 3202 B Happy Valley Road. Proceeds for every Orange Shirt sold goes back to the supporting Indigenous non-profits and reconciliation funds.
Medicine Wheel Publishing
3202B Happy Valley Rd, Langford, BC V9C 2V8
Phone: 1-877-422-0212
Fax: 1-800-928-7154
Email: info@medicinewheelpublishing.com
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