The events listed below took place in 2022.
To see a list of 2023 events for the 3rd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation please click here.
Elder “T’it’elem Spath”, Eddie Gardner of the Skwah First Nation speaking at a 2019 Archway event
2022 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events and Exhibits in the Fraser Valley
Please follow the links or contact the organizers for more details.
If we have missed an event or there is inaccurate information, please contact comms@archway.ca
Abbotsford Events
Walking Forward Together: Day of Learning
- Where: Abbotsford Centre
- When: September 29th, 2022 8:50am – 2:30pm (Tickets required)
- Host: Abbotsford School District
Hear from 3 Crows Production, a group of Indigenous educational storytellers dedicated to promoting anti-racism, create awareness of the intergenerational impact of Indian Residential Schools and help youth strengthen mental health. Kevin Lamoureux, Jo Chrona and Dr. Gwendolyn Point will also speak on topics like the challenges and possibilities of Indigenous Education in our schools.
Story Walk® – Semá:th Xo:tsa: Great Gramma’s Lake
- Where: Civic Center outside the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford)
- When: September 23 – 30th. Between 9am and 4pm
Read the pages of “Semá:th Xo:tsa: Great Gramma’s Lake,” illustrated by Carrielynn Victor, and written by Chris Silver, Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds and Laura Schneider.
Mission Event
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
- Where: Fraser River Heritage Park, 7494 Mary Street, Mission (covered area)
- When: September 30th, 2022 starting at 11:00am
- Hosts: The Siwal Si’wes Indigenous Education Advisory Council & Education Department, Mission Public School District 75, Members of the Board of Education, the Mission Friendship Centre, and the City of Mission
Please wear orange and bring a lawn chair, water, snacks and if you wish, a drum.
Local Online Events
Free Virtual Talking Circle: Reconciliation Takes Heart Work and Hard Work
- When: September 30th, 2022 11:30-1:00pm
- Host: Reichert & Associates
Join Gracie Kelly, Indigenous Relations Manager at the Chilliwack Division of Family Practice, and guest speaker Elder Eddie Gardner (T’it’elem Spath) to revisit past reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to explore heart work and relationships to the land as paths towards reconciliation.
Marking the 2022 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- When: September 29th, 2022 1:00-3:00pm (ET)
- Hosts: Canada School of Public Service, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Knowledge Circle for Indigenous Inclusion.
This event focuses on the lived experiences of residential school survivors and the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Guest speakers will share their thoughts and insights on the meaning of these experiences for them and for us all as we continue together on the journey towards truth and reconciliation.
Chilliwack Events
Chowiyes-Xwithet/Rise Up-Wake Up! Event
When: September 29th 1:00-4:00pm
Where: UFV Valley Gathering Place – 45190 Caen Ave, Chilliwack, B.C
Hosts: Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém – Good Medicine Songs and UFV
A Special Event honouring the “shxweli – life spirit” of children lost to residential schools, survivors and their families. Featuring Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém – Good Medicine Songs: bilingual songs in Halq’eméylem and English, steeped in Sxwōxwiyám (stories from the distant past) and sqwélqwel (true family stories.) This is unique, cross-cultural Halq’eméylem revitalization inspiring resilience, reconciliation, belonging and unity.
Truth & Reconciliation Pow Wow
- When: September 30 & October 1st
- Times: Grand Entry – 1:00pm and 7:00pm
- Where: Chilliwack Secondary (46363 Yale Rd E, Chilliwack, BC)
- Hosts: Dan Milo Society
Witness drummers, singers, dancers and First Nations ceremonies. Vendors and food trucks will be on site.
- When: September 30th, 2022 10:00am
- Where: Starting at Chilliwack Secondary School, with a stop at Central Park
Part of the Truth & Reconciliation Pow Pow event
Honouring Residential School Thrivers and Survivors
- When: September 30th 10:30am to 12:00pm. Meal to follow
- Where: Coqualeetza Residential School Memorial Post (7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack)
- Hosts: Stó:lō Leadership and Sts’elemeqw Residential School Thrivers Society
Honour residential school thrivers and survivors and learn more about the important and sacred work of searching for unmarked graves.
- When: September 30th, 11:00-3:00pm
- Where: Sardis Park, Chilliwack
- Host: Wilma’s Transition Society
Day filled with information booths, food trucks, kids’ area, prizes, and more.
Orange Shirt Day – Coastal Jam
- When: September 30th, 6:00-9:00pm
- Where: 30 Landing Drive, Chilliwack
- Host: Skwah (Sqwa) First Nations
Coastal jam, Iron Man competition and vendors will be on site.
Newcomers Bus Tour participants learned about local history from Sonny McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian in 2019.