Editor’s note: The story below may trigger difficult or traumatic thoughts and memories. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society’s 24-hour crisis line is available at 1-866-925-4419.
A few activities and resources in the Abbotsford area have been organized to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30).
An online webinar starts at 11 a.m. through University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC).
Renaming and Destatuing: Challenging History in the Age of Reconciliation will be moderated by PARC director Keith Carlson.
The panel will feature Indigenous and settler scholars from across Canada and the U.S., including professor Jon Lutz of UVic, George Ironstack of the Myaamia Center at Miami University, professor Omeasoo Wahpasiw of UPEI, and professor Brian Hosmer of Oklahoma State University.
A link to join the webinar can be found by clicking here.
A candlelight vigil takes place at 7 p.m. at Yarrow Pioneer Park. Lek’hoosh Arnie Leon will share his family’s history with residential schools and remember those who didn’t make it home.
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Envisioning Reconciliation is a Sto:lo website through which people can learn more about the way Sto:lo people are envisioning genuine reconciliation.
The site was pulled together by the Sto:lo Research and Resource Management Centre and UFV with participation professor Keith Carlson, Sto:lo individuals, the Mathxwi (Matsqui) and Chawathil communities, and students and teachers from Hope, Chilliwack, and Surrey.
The website can be found at stoloreconciliation.com
A video recording of the Abbotsford School District’s Truth and Reconciliation assembly, held Sept. 29, is available on YouTube by clicking here.
The Trethewey House Heritage Site Gallery (2313 Ware St.) launches the exhibit River People and the Land: Living within S’ólh Téméxw on Friday, Oct. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The exhibit is hosted by Heritage Abbotsford Society, Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre, and the Matsqui First Nation.
The Stó:lō people live along the Fraser River and have a rich history with the land. The exhibit showcases the relationship between people, the land, and what is essential for the survival of human beings. But what would you do without your land, your home?
Registration to attend the launch can be found by clicking here.
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