Richmond will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Tuesday, September 30. This day encourages Canadians to reflect on the history and lasting impacts of residential schools and to honour the resilience of Indigenous communities.

Residents are invited to commemorate the day through a series of displays and programs across Richmond. For a full list of activities, visit richmond.ca/NDTR. Highlights include:

• Survivors’ Flag and orange illumination (September 30)
  City Hall will display the Survivors’ Flag, a symbol of remembrance that honours residential school Survivors and commemorates the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system. In addition, the Together statue in front of Minoru Centre for Active Living will be illuminated in orange throughout the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• An Evening with Richard Van Camp — Thursday, September 25, 7:00–8:00pm
  Richmond Public Library – Brighouse
  Join best-selling author Richard Van Camp for an evening of storytelling. He will share his life’s work of reclaiming stories; family and community medicines; and interviews with Elders from his home community of Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. Hear miracle stories about how he and others—children of residential school Survivors—have spent their adult lives reclaiming what was almost lost.
• Collaborative Drawing with Manuel Axel Strain — Sunday, September 21, 12:00–3:00pm
  Richmond Art Gallery
  Take part in a large-scale drawing project with featured artist Manuel Axel Strain (Musqueam, Simpcw and Syilx). Known for their passionate work rooted in personal experience, Strain will host a family-friendly afternoon where participants of all ages can experiment with mark-making, colouring and large-scale drawing.

Some City facilities will have reduced hours or be closed in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

• City Hall: Closed on Tuesday, September 30; reopens Wednesday, October 1.
• Recycling Depot: Closed on Tuesday, September 30; reopens Wednesday, October 1. Blue cart collection will remain as scheduled. All other residential services will be pushed back by one day due to the statutory holiday.
• Brighouse Library and Richmond Cultural Centre: Open 10:00am to 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 30. All other library branches will be closed. For details, visit YourLibrary.ca.
• Community facilities: visit richmond.ca/HolidayHours for a list of modified hours.

For more information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit richmond.ca/NDTR.