National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - Sep 30

September 29, 2022

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, and to honour the survivors, their families, and communities.

Since 2013, September 30 has been observed as 'Orange Shirt Day'; a date chosen because it represents the time of the year that children were taken from their homes and moved into residential schools. The tradition of wearing an orange shirt comes from the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad whose brand-new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken from her by school administrators on her first day at a residential school in 1973, when she was six years old.

The Town of View Royal acknowledges with respect that it is within the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and that their historic connections to these lands continue to this day.

In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of View Royal and District of Saanich will be illuminating the Craigflower Bridge in orange from September 30 to October 2, 2022. We also join municipalities across the Capital Region in lowering flags at Town Hall to half mast.

South Island Powwow

https://www.songheesnation.ca/south-island-powwow
Attend the South Island Powwow on Sept 30 to recognize and honour Survivors and their families. It is an opportunity to learn about Indigenous cultures that colonization tried to erase, to showcase Indigenous strength and resilience, and to bring people together for celebration to build bridges amongst all Nations. 

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Start your learning journey today.