Surrey marks Truth and Reconciliation Day with Orange Shirt Day events, drumming, and cultural sharing to honour residential school survivors.
City-Led Reflections on a National Day
The City of Surrey is preparing community-wide programming for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, encouraging residents to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and honour Indigenous survivors.
Public Gathering at Holland Park
On September 29, a public Orange Shirt Day event will take place at Holland Park in Whalley from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee, Skookum Surrey, the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association, and the City of Surrey are co-hosting the gathering, which begins with a drum march from Surrey City Hall Plaza at 3:45 p.m.
Cultural Sharing and Commemoration
Organizers say the event will include drumming, dancing, and cultural exchanges to honour survivors of residential schools and remember children who never returned. Community leaders emphasize that all residents are welcome to attend, learn, and engage in meaningful reflection.
Opportunities for Learning Beforehand
Leading up to the statutory holiday, Surrey is offering additional programming. From September 13 to 20, Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House will welcome visitors to explore the meaning of the orange shirt and the phrase Every Child Matters. On September 20, Historic Stewart Farm will host a drumming circle and Harvest Fair with Indigenous partners.
Visible Symbols Across the City
On September 30, Surrey Civic Plaza at City Hall will be lit in orange as a public reminder of the day’s significance. The City urges residents to wear orange shirts as visible commitments to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Local Partnerships and Exhibits
Residents are also encouraged to visit the Museum of Surrey’s Indigenous Hall, created in collaboration with Semiahmoo, Kwantlen, and Katzie First Nations. The exhibit provides a historical and cultural context for reconciliation, complementing live events with deeper learning opportunities.
Why Participation Matters
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a statutory holiday that acknowledges the intergenerational harm caused by residential schools. Surrey’s programming aims to foster both remembrance and action, ensuring that reconciliation is a collective responsibility.
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