Community events on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) are being hosted across the region to increase awareness of the history and legacy of residential and day schools and the B次元官网网址�60s Scoop.
SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 lineup includes:
Truth and Reconciliation Day Ride In honour of residential school survivors, the Truth and Reconciliation Day Ride returns for its third edition on Sept. 30.
The event, led by Capital Bike, is geared to be a family-friendly, easy-paced ride. This will be a parade-style event with the Victoria Police Department and the City of Victoria providing traffic support.
B次元官网网址淭he first year, we planned for 100 participants and got 350. Last year, we planned for 350 and had 500. This year, weB次元官网网址檙e ready for at least 650,B次元官网网址� said Adam Krupper, Capital Bike executive director, in a statement. B次元官网网址淭he biggest improvement this year is the parade permit along with police closing the intersections along the route. This will make the ride easier and safer; allowing us to focus on what matters most B次元官网网址� remembering the impact of residential schools.B次元官网网址�
Attendees can gather at 9:15 a.m. at Songhees Park by the Delta Hotel in Vic West with Diane Sam from the Songhees Nation speaking at 9:30 a.m. The nine-kilometre ride departs at 10:30 a.m. along the Songhees Walkway, through downtown, along Dallas Road, up Vancouver Street and finishes at the South Island Powwow at approximately 11:30 a.m.
A bike valet service will be available at the powwow.
The ride is free and riders are encouraged to wear orange. For more information, go to capitalbike.ca.
South Island Powwow
Everyone is welcome to attend the South Island Powwow in Victoria. The event honours and recognizes survivors of residential and day schools and the B次元官网网址�60s Scoop, their families and the children who never made it home.
The powwow also celebrates Indigenous cultures and resiliency and brings people together in celebration to build bridges amongst all nations.
The event, hosted by the Songhees Nation with support from Greater Victoria municipalities, takes place at Royal Athletic Park. Gates open at 10 a.m. with two grand entries at noon and 6 p.m. Colours will retire at midnight.
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Reconcile: Candid truth from survivors With many stories left untold, the community is invited to St. AnnB次元官网网址檚 Academy, 835 Humboldt St., from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to witness the voices of survivors from residential schools and the B次元官网网址�60s Scoop in an event focused on hard truths and healing.
The agenda includes a screening of the acclaimed documentary We Were Children by Tim Wolochatiuk as well as Elders Patrick Stephenson and Aldeen Mason sharing their own experiences within the systems of removal.
B次元官网网址淐ome bear witness to the impact of colonial harm, displacement and what it means to reconcile in todayB次元官网网址檚 world. Let us examine how this legacy shapes the environment we face today as Indigenous people, and explore the continuity of the oppressive systems that have harmed us since first contact.B次元官网网址�
This free event is hosted by the Support Network for Indigenous Women and Women of Colour. Doors open at 4 p.m. Seats are limited and attendees are asked to pre-register. To register, go .
ThereB次元官网网址檚 Blood in the Rocks: Victoria smallpox epidemic of 1862-63 Also taking place in Victoria later in the day, the Christ Church Cathedral is inviting the public to hear the perspectives of Indigenous knowledge holders on an epidemic and its continuing impact.
Attendees will view ThereB次元官网网址檚 Blood in the Rocks, a short film about the Victoria smallpox epidemic of 1862-63 by Marianne Nicolson, a KwakwakaB次元官网网址檞akw artist and activist. Snxakila Clyde Michael Tallio, a ceremonial speaker of the Nuxalk First Nation, will be one of the speakers in attendance to discuss the epidemic and the resurgence of B.C.B次元官网网址檚 First Peoples.
Guests can come together after for some light snacks and to reflect on the eveningB次元官网网址檚 discussion
READ MORE: Stories about truth and reconciliation
