On Sept. 30, Campbell Riverites are encouraged to observe Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Widely observed since 2013, Orange Shirt Day commemorates the painful legacy of residential schools in Canada. It pays tribute to the survivors, the children who went missing, and the families impacted by this history.
2024 marks the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation since it was established as a federal holiday in 2021.
In Campbell River, Truth and Reconciliation Day will begin in Spirit Square at 11 a.m. followed by a series of events.
In the afternoon, residential day and boarding homes survivors will share their stories at Tidemark Theatre. The Tidemark is also highlighting the work of Yaxawidi (Shawn Decaire), who is currently the Artist-in-Residence at the Campbell River Art Gallery.
See below for a detailed breakdown of the events.
Every Child Matters Walk Our National Day of Truth & Reconciliation
Location: Spirit Square
11:00 a.m.
Opening Prayer
Remembrance Walk
11:30 a.m.
Eagle Down Spreading
Welcome Song
Sitting of the Survivors
Chiefs/Nations and Special Guests
11:45 p.m.
Mourning Song
Wedlidi Speck Keynote - Why Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation
12:30 p.m. - Lunch Given Out
12:45 p.m. - Honouring the Survivors
1:30 p.m. - Ladies Dance, Salmon, Paddle and Fun dances
2 p.m. - Speeches / Closing from Chiefs/Nation
Location: Tidemark Theatre
2:30 p.m. - Stories told by residential school/indian day/boarding home survivors
