The City of Coquitlam joins communities and individuals across the nation in honouring the Survivors of the residential school system, the children who did not make it home, and their families and communities.
COQUITLAM, B.C., September 19, 2024 – The City of Coquitlam joins communities and individuals across the nation in honouring the Survivors of the residential school system, the children who did not make it home, and their families and communities.
Some civic facilities and services will be closed or limited on Monday, September 30. For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/Hours.
Honouring Survivors and Promoting Reflection
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for all Canadians to reflect on the history and enduring impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples. In honour of this day, the Survivors’ flag will be flown at Coquitlam City Hall from September 27 to 30.
From September 23 to 30, the City of Coquitlam will host and support local events and initiatives aimed at encouraging reflection, remembrance and learning. The special lighting along Pinetree Way and at Lafarge Lake will be illuminated in orange during this time to serve as a visual symbol of the ongoing journey toward Reconciliation and the importance of shared reflection during this time.
Local Events and Learning Opportunities
Coquitlam recognizes that the path to reconciliation is unique for each individual, and the City is committed to supporting the community by highlighting diverse opportunities for learning, reflection, and engagement. The following local events and resources provide a chance to explore the ongoing impacts of the residential school system, honour Indigenous voices, and participate in activities that foster understanding and respect:
- Dogwood Pavilion – Truth and Reconciliation: Tea and Bannock
Thursday, September 26, 11 – 11:30 a.m., Dogwood Pavilion (1655 Winslow Avenue): In partnership with the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors' Society, this free event features guided discussions on Reconciliation. Registration required. For more information or to register, visit coquitlam.ca/registration. - Evergreen Culture Centre – Towards Truth and Reconciliation: Comic Workshop
Friday, September 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way): Artist Jordanna George leads an illustration workshop inspired by Hummingbird Takes Flight by q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation artist sɬə́məxʷ, Rain Pierre. Participants will create artwork that responds to the ways we can take action toward Reconciliation. More details available on the Evergreen Cultural Centre's website. - Glen Pine Pavilion – A Day of Reflection
Monday, September 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court): Join the City and the Coquitlam Public Library for a day of reflection featuring a documentary screening, light refreshments, and the library’s mobile station, where attendees can explore resources and check out books related to Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the event calendar listing for more details. - Place des Arts – Finding Your Voice: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 30, 1 – 4:45 p.m., Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Avenue): Indigenous artists and speaker, Christine Mackenzie, will share her experience as an Indigenous woman and discuss the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Participants will create a small, mixed media art piece to take home. Learn more on Place des Arts website. - Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex – Orange Shirt Day Toonie Skate
Monday, September 30, 1:15 – 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 – 4 p.m., Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street): Wear orange and skate in honour of those affected by the residential school system. Join us in reflecting that Every Child Matters. No registration required. $2/person; skate and helmet rentals included. - Town Centre Park Community Centre – Cedar Friendship Bracelet Workshop
Saturday, September 28, 2 – 2:50 p.m. and 3 – 3:50 p.m., Town Centre Park Community Centre (1207 Pinetree Way): Join Coast Salish master cedar weaver and Haida elder, Todd Giihlgiigaa Devries, for a free workshop where participants will learn how to craft cedar rope friendship bracelets while Todd shares teachings on the significance of cedar to the Coast Salish Peoples.
To learn more about local reconciliation events and learning opportunities, please visit coquitlam.ca/NDTR.
Coquitlam’s Commitment to Reconciliation
Coquitlam’s 2024 to 2027 Strategic Plan highlights Reconciliation as a strategic priority, underscoring the City’s ongoing commitment to strengthen relationships with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, other First Nations, and Indigenous peoples, including urban Indigenous residents. Building on the foundation laid in 2022, when reconciliation was formally recognized as a strategic goal in the City’s Corporate Business Plan, Coquitlam remains dedicated to fostering strong government-to-government relationships. This involves open, honest conversations, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and a cooperative approach to advancing reconciliation. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/reconciliation.
Wear Orange
Before it was nationally designated in 2021, September 30 was an Indigenous-led, grassroots initiative, from Williams Lake, BC, known as Orange Shirt Day. The story behind Orange Shirt Day originates from Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away from her when she entered residential school at the age of six. The last residential school in B.C. closed in 1983; the last residential school in Canada closed in 1996. Wearing orange throughout September, and especially on September 30, honours both the Survivors and those who didn’t make it home.
About the Survivors’ Flag
The Survivors’ Flag was created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Survivors from across Canada (including Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Mohawk, Dene, Nuu-chah-nulth, Secwepemc, and Métis peoples). It was conceived in 2021 following confirmation of mass unmarked graves found on the grounds of former residential schools. The Survivors’ flag is a salient and accessible symbol to honour the lives of those impacted by the residential school system. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected through consultation, discussion and collaboration with Survivors of residential schools. The NCTR website provides more information about the Survivors Flag, including Survivors’ perspectives on the significance of the Flag.
Learn More About Truth and Reconciliation
Learning more about Indigenous Peoples’ diverse history, culture, governance, values and visions for the future is an essential step each of us can take on the path to reconciliation.
Media contacts:
Amanda King
Manager Indigenous Relations
604-927-4360
aking@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.