(Campbell River, BC) - On September 30, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) joins communities across Canada in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
This day honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities who continue to live with the impacts of the residential school system.
September 30 is also an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on how each of us can contribute to stronger relationships with First Nations throughout the year.
The SRD encourages everyone to wear orange, attend local events, learn about the First Nations whose territories they live and work within, and explore the following resources:
- Orange Shirt Society: orangeshirtday.org
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: nctr.ca
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: nctr.ca/records/reports
- Laichwiltach Family Life Society: lfls.ca
- Moose Hide Campaign: moosehidecampaign.ca
- Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: downiewenjack.ca
- Witness Blanket: witnessblanket.ca
In Campbell River, residents are encouraged to watch for local National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities hosted by Laichwiltach Family Life Society and other community organizations.
Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex will offer limited operations on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone Welcome Skate and Pond Hockey will be available from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, and the arena will remain open for all pre-booked user groups. All other regular programming and classes will be cancelled.
The Strathcona Gardens pool will be closed starting September 26 as preparations continue for the opening of the new Aquatic Centre in October.
The SRD Board and staff are committed to continuous learning and to building meaningful, respectful relationships with First Nations throughout the region. This work requires ongoing listening, reflection and action, and extends beyond a single day of recognition.
Learning and relationship building do not end on September 30 and everyone is encouraged to carry this work forward throughout the year.
The Strathcona Regional District’s corporate office and Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex are located on the traditional unceded territory of the Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ people. The SRD operates within the traditional territories of the Ehattesaht/Chinehkint, Homalco, Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h', Klahoose, K'ómoks, Kwiakah, Mowachaht/Muchalaht, Nuchatlaht, Tla'amin, Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations.
-##-
Media Contact - David Leitch, SRD Chief Administrative Officer 250-830-6703 | dleitch@srd.ca