09/30/2026
On September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, alongside Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we recognize the profound harms caused to Indigenous Peoples, families and communities through more than 150 years of the residential school system, administered by the Canadian government and operated in partnership with churches. We also recommit ourselves to building right relationships with Indigenous Peoples and with the land on which we live and work.
From Sarah Chow, Youth Unlimited Youth Worker in Vancouver who works closely with many Indigenous youth:
“Many youth we work with have been deeply impacted by residential schools and have parents, grandparents, aunties, and uncles who are survivors. This is a day to listen to the stories of our Indigenous neighbours and to participate in the collective healing of our communities by showing up and supporting the events taking place around our city.
All people are created in the image of our Maker. All are created worthy of dignity, worthy of respect, and worthy of love.
When I see neighbours gathering in solidarity on September 30th, it gives me hope; hope that the shame from abuse endured in residential schools will one day no longer weigh heavily on survivors and their families, hope that our youth will believe that their lives matter, hope that Indigenous children today will grow up proud of their heritage, their culture, their language, and their peoples.”
