BC Conservation Foundation offices will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024 for Orange Shirt Day to honor the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
We recognize the importance of putting reconciliation into action. I encourage everyone on our team to strengthen relationships with Indigenous folks and learn more about their communities, culture and history.
This is a day to reflect, engage and learn about BC’s colonial history and how our laws and practices continue to impact Indigenous communities.
As a settler organization of conservationists and land stewards working to make our land more inclusive, equitable, liveable and resilient; we are committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and institutions to help build shared understanding and transform the way we interact with fish, wildlife and the land.
We encourage all of our staff, board and volunteers to use this day for reflection and to learn about our past while looking towards new possibilities with Indigenous people in the future.
We have compiled a list of resources to provide background and more information on Orange Shirt Day.
We have listed some events near our offices below.
We encourage you to attend events in your local community.
Local Events
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Website: www.nctr.ca
Explore the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which offers free webinars during the week of September 23-27. These sessions provide valuable insights into the journey towards reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Document: Calls to Action
Learn about the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which outline steps for addressing the legacy of residential schools and advancing reconciliation.
History of the Orange Shirt Campaign
Website: www.orangeshirtday.org
Discover the history behind the Orange Shirt Campaign, a movement that commemorates the experiences of Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and promotes the message that “Every Child Matters.”
Aboriginal TV Special Programming
Website: www.aptn.ca
Tune in to Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) for special programming on September 30.
Indigenous Authors/Books at Surrey Library
Website: Surrey Library Bibliocommons
Explore a curated list of books by Indigenous authors available at Surrey Library. These books offer diverse perspectives and stories that enrich our understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories.
Indigenous Tourism BC
Website: www.indigenousbc.com
Participate in various Indigenous tourism events happening around BC. Join an online lunch and learn, or attend an event in Kamloops, Osoyoos, Taylor, Whistler, Enderby, Hope, Chilliwack and more.
T’Kemlups National Day For Truth & Reconciliation Event in Kamloops
Website: https://tkemlups.ca/event/sept-27-ndtr-event/
Date: Sept 27
Time: 2:00-5:00pm
Location: The Special Events Arbour
Metro Vancouver Local Events
Websites:
Check out Daily Hive’s and Miss 604’s webpages with local events in Metro Vancouver listed on that commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Engage with community activities and learn more about the path to reconciliation.
Feel free to share these resources with your colleagues to encourage participation and awareness!