Truth and Reconciliation Day 2024: Events, closures across the Fraser Valley

Here are some things to know about Truth and Reconciliation Day in the Fraser Valley:

Chilliwack

Thrivers and Survivors

Stó:lō leadership and the Sts’elemeqw Residential School Thrivers Society will honour ‘Thrivers and Survivors’ in an outdoor gathering at the Coqualeetza Residential School Memorial Post on the north side of the Longhouse at 7201 Vedder Road.

The event runs from 10:30 a.m. until around 3 p.m. and includes a presentation and discussion on the work Stó:lō Nation is doing to investigate unmarked graves and missing children related to residential schools in the Fraser Valley.

Cultural Advisor and Historian Siyemiya will lead a site tour of the Coqualeetza grounds around 2 p.m.

Truth and Reconciliation Day at Greendale Acres

Greendale Acres offers free admission to all Indigenous community members between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. It includes a cultural sharing event and a Bannock sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with proceeds supporting the Mémiyelhtel Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program.

Truth and Reconciliation Day Community Event

Wilma’s Transition Society will run a free event from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sardis Park. Local artisans, food trucks, and informational booths from various community nonprofits will be on site.

Abbotsford

Stetís ímexstowx Gathering

The free event begins around 10 a.m. at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza on Veterans Way. It features Halq’eméylem storytelling, art from Robert Bateman Secondary’s Lex̱éywa Art Activism class, and a performance from professional puppeteers Luminous Waters.

Walking Forward

The Sema:th First Nation honours residential school survivors with an event at their Sumas Mountain Road location between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Activities and ceremonies include a salmon barbecue dinner and a shoulder flash unveiling with Abby PD, designed by Liam Silver.

Mission

Dibaajimowin Cultural Centre

The event is open to everyone and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Memorial Park on Queens Street.

Candlelight Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The vigil at Fraser River Heritage Park on Mary Street will honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

What’s open and closed on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Several facilities and municipal services will be closed across the Fraser Valley on Monday. These include city halls, visitor information centres, some recreation and community programs, as well as waste and recycling collection outlets.

Most retail stores will be open on Sept. 30, with many reducing business hours.

Malls like Seven Oaks in Abbotsford and Cottonwood in Chilliwack will open at 11 a.m. Monday.

Other retailers like grocery, drug stores and box outlets will have varying hours depending on location.

Many restaurants and coffee shops, particularly large chains, will stay open on Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Some B.C. Liquor Stores will open with shortened hours, as will several tourist attractions in the Lower Mainland.

Canada Post will not be collecting or delivering mail on Monday.

Banks will be closed.

BC Transit, TransLink buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus will be running on holiday schedules. The West Coast Express will not operate.

by Don Mitchell

Truth and Reconciliation Day 2024: Events, closures across the Fraser Valley

Chilliwack

Abbotsford

Mission

What’s open and closed on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

More Local News