The City of Richmond will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Wednesday, September 30. The day honours Residential School Survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools, reflect on the experiences and resilience of Indigenous Peoples and consider how everyone can contribute to the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation.

September 30 also marks Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative founded by Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken away on her first day at the school. The orange shirt has become a symbol of remembrance, raising awareness of the impacts of the residential school system and affirming that every child matters.

Everyone is invited to commemorate the day by wearing orange and taking part in a series of programs across Richmond. For a full list of activities and displays, visit richmond.ca/NDTR. Highlights include:

• Indigenous Author Series: A Conversation with Larry Grant and Scott Steedman – Wednesday, September 16, 7:00pm–8:30pm
  Richmond Cultural Centre – Theatre Under the Stars
  Take part in a talk with elder Larry Grant and Scott Steedman, authors of Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. For Larry Grant, an Elder of Musqueam and Chinese descent, belonging has been a lifelong struggle. His life story echoes the stories of Chinese immigration, the ravages of residential schools, and the current Indigenous revival.

• Honouring Residential School Survivors: Beading Workshop – Saturday, September 26, 9:00am-noon
  City Centre Community Centre (Meeting Room 2)
  Create a beaded orange t-shirt to honour the resilience and strength of Residential School Survivors. Through guided beading and reflection, this workshop is intended to foster meaningful dialogue and help ensure these stories are remembered for generations to come. 

• Indigenous Storytime – Saturday, September 26, 1:00–3:00pm
  Richmond Nature Park
  Visit the Richmond Nature Park to listen to stories by Indigenous authors that celebrate culture, connection, belonging and care for the land. This program provides an opportunity for families to learn about the histories, voices and experiences of Indigenous Peoples and reflect together in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

• Family Storytime – Wednesday, September 30, 10:00-10:30am and 1:00-1:30pm 
  Richmond Public Library – Brighouse Kids’ Place Program Room
  Drop in for storytime on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, featuring picture books written by Indigenous authors and illustrators.

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

• City Hall: Closed on Wednesday, September 30. Reopens Thursday, October 1.

• Recycling Depot: Closed on Wednesday, September 30. Reopens Thursday, 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 Wednesday, 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 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit richmond.ca/NDTR.