Every year on September 30, people across Canada pause to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the lasting impacts of these institutions.

At the Belonging Network, we recognize that the separation of Indigenous children from their families — through residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the modern child welfare system — has caused harm that is still deeply felt today. As an organization working in adoption and permanency, we are committed to listening, learning, and taking part in reconciliation.

One way we live out this commitment is by encouraging our community to take action. There are many ways you can participate on September 30. Below, we’ve gathered ideas for things you can do on your own, as well as community events happening across BC that you can join.

Things you can do

  • Wear an orange shirt to honour Survivors and show your commitment to reconciliation.
  • Attend an Indigenous event in your community.
  • Read about Truth and Reconciliation, residential schools, and Indigenous history to deepen your understanding.
  • Watch or read stories from Indigenous artists, authors, and knowledge keepers — and share them with others.
  • Support Indigenous artists and businesses by purchasing their work.
  • Donate to Indigenous-serving organizations like the Orange Shirt Society or the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

Events

Vancouver

2025 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day
University of British Columbia | 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Faculties of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems, and Forestry host this event. The March is intergenerational, aiming to educate and support Indigenous communities on campus and beyond. Activities will help younger participants connect with the land’s original inhabitants and spark ongoing conversations about a difficult era in Canadian history.

Learn more at 2025 Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day.

2025 Truth & Reconciliation Day
Grandview Park | 10 a.m. Honour Walk

Join the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society, Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society, Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council, Britannia Community Services, and other community partners for a day of remembrance and healing.

This year’s theme is “Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future.” The event begins with an Honour Walk from the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre to Grandview Park, followed by cultural performances, a sacred fire, and an Indigenous market.

Learn more on the Truth & Reconciliation Day 2025 Facebook page.

Films for Truth and Reconciliation
The Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This special program showcases films by Indigenous filmmakers, sharing powerful stories of truth, resilience, and healing.

Learn more and view the full program on the Polygon Gallery website.

Richmond

Family Storytime
Richmond Public Library | 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Join Richmond Public Library for Family Storytime, a program that introduces young children to books by Indigenous authors and illustrators, fostering learning and awareness from an early age.

This session will feature picture books written by Indigenous creators. Drop in. No registration required. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Learn more on the Richmond Public Library event page.

Langley

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Derek Doubleday Arboretum | 5 to 8 p.m.

Reconciliation Langley, Inclusion Langley Society, and Langley Hospice Society invite you to their 5th Annual Gathering, featuring drummers, speakers, and a Candlelight Walking Vigil. This community event is a call to deepen our collective commitment to learning and reconciliation.

Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.

Coquitlam

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Empowering Voices Through Art
Place des Arts | 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Place des Arts hosts a day of community programming with art exhibits, workshops, and performances that amplify Indigenous voices and experiences.

Learn more on the Place des Arts event page.

Chilliwack

Truth and Reconciliation Day Community Event
Salish Park | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hosted by Wilma’s Transition Society, this community gathering features cultural ceremonies with prayers, drumming, and dancing, along with food trucks, vendor tables, and family-friendly activities.

Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.

Whistler

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the SLCC
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) Whistler | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre welcomes the community for a day of tours, cultural performances, and storytelling led by Knowledge Keepers.

Learn more on the SLCC event page.

Victoria

South Island Powwow
Royal Athletic Park | Gates open 10 a.m., Grand entry at 12 p.m.

Hosted by the Songhees Nation, the South Island Powwow brings thousands together to celebrate through drumming, dancing, and community connection. This annual gathering also honours Survivors and their families in the spirit of reconciliation.

Learn more on the Songhees Nation event page.

Truth and Reconciliation Day Ride
Various routes around Victoria | Ride starts at 10 a.m.

Hosted by Capital Bike, these community rides explore Indigenous history and landmarks while encouraging active, community-based reflection on reconciliation.

Learn more on the Capital Bike event page.

Sooke

The art of reconciliation: Survivors’ panel
Sooke Region Museum | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The museum will host a Survivors’ panel along with exhibits exploring local Indigenous history. Featured is the story of artist Robert Aller, who taught at the Alberni Indian Residential School and encouraged students to paint scenes of their homes and cultures. Decades later, these artworks were returned to Survivors and families as part of a reconciliation project, with many now displayed to raise awareness about the legacy of residential schools.

Learn more on the Sooke Region Museum event page.

Duncan

Every Child Matters
Charles Hoey Park | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WorkBC Cowichan Valley hosts a community gathering with speakers, cultural performances, and opportunities to learn together. The day includes a community walk beginning at 10 a.m.

Learn more on the WorkBC Cowichan Valley Facebook page.

Nanaimo

Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation
Oliver Woods Community Centre & Nanaimo Ice Centre | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The City of Nanaimo invites the community to a full day of wellness, reflection, and reconciliation, featuring cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for movement and recreation.

Learn more on the City of Nanaimo event page.

Why it matters

Reconciliation is not a single day — it’s an ongoing journey we walk together. By showing up, learning, and taking action, we honour Survivors, their families, and communities. Most importantly, we commit to building a future rooted in truth, justice, and respect.