Haida Gwaii marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 with community time, learning, and reflection. In Skidegate, the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay folded its 17th anniversary into the day, underscoring the centre’s role in language, culture, and public education. Across the islands, many businesses closed in solidarity. Residents joined school lessons, community gatherings, beach walks, and quiet time on the land and water. In Masset, the Vancouver Island Regional Library branch hosted the children’s puppet show that was postponed during the branch’s grand opening, drawing families for stories and laughter alongside learning.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation began as Orange Shirt Day and became a federal statutory day in 2021. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Secwépemc survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken on her first day at a residential school. The day honours more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children who were taken from their families, the survivors who returned, and the Nations who live with the impacts.
Premier David Eby issued a statement recognizing the children who never returned home and standing with survivors and their families. He urged British Columbians to listen and learn, and to recommit to the path of truth and reconciliation. The statement noted the historic reality of residential schools and the ongoing work led by First Nations in British Columbia to search for missing children. The province stated its support for this work and cautioned against residential school denialism, which undermines survivors and spreads misinformation. “We cannot get to a better future unless we acknowledge and learn from our past,” the statement said.
The province also pointed to ongoing efforts that include implementing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, ensuring all K to 12 students complete Indigenous-focused coursework, and addressing Indigenous-specific racism in public services. Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said people should stand with communities “with empathy, sensitivity and an openness to further educate ourselves.”
Here at home, the work continues in practical ways. People are encouraged to read survivor accounts, learn local history, support language and culture programs, visit exhibits, and keep showing up. The message across Haida Gwaii was clear, learn, listen, and help move the work forward for the next generation.
