Honouring Survivors, Remembering the Children and Continuing the Work of Reconciliation
As we approach September 30, Recycle BC pauses to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the communities across British Columbia and Canada that were forever changed by this painful history.
In British Columbia, as elsewhere in Canada, the residential school system caused profound and lasting harm by separating Indigenous children from their families, languages, cultures, and identities. The last residential school in British Columbia, Saint Mary’s Indian Residential School in Mission, closed in 1984. These harms continue to be felt today through intergenerational trauma, grief, and loss.
On September 30th, we wear orange as a visible reminder that Every Child Matters and as a commitment to learning, remembrance, and meaningful action.
At Recycle BC, we recognize that reconciliation requires more than words. It requires ongoing responsibility, humility, and sustained action. It must be reflected in the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the commitments we uphold. We understand that this work is ongoing, and we remain committed to walking the path of reconciliation with purpose, accountability, respect, and care. We continue to work in partnership with Indigenous communities across British Columbia, as we seek guidance from the traditional ways of life – ways grounded in kinship, the sacredness of life, respect, shared responsibility, and a deep spiritual connection to Mother Earth, the Universe, and one another.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Events in BC (2026)
Event details are subject to change. Please check local listings for updates.
Vancouver, BC:
Below are several opportunities for learning, reflection, and engagement in the Vancouver BC area. These events offer meaningful ways to honour Survivors, remember the children who never came home, and continue supporting reconciliation in our work and communities.
Please see the key event details below:
- Cedar Rose Workshop with Avannia Thomas-Brown — September 26, 12:00–3:00 p.m., Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. Hands-on cedar rose workshop with an orange ribbon added in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- The Making Place — September 27, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Vancouver Art Gallery. Drop-in creative reflection activities honouring the day.
- Truth & Reconciliation Through Film — September 29, 5:00–8:00 p.m., BCIT Downtown Campus. Documentary screenings and discussions focused on truth and reconciliation.
- MONOVA Cultural Programs — September 30, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver. Guided reflection and cultural programming for Truth and Reconciliation Day.
If you are interested in attending, please review the event details and consider participating in a way that feels meaningful to you. Thank you for taking the time to reflect, learn, and continue supporting reconciliation.