National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital part of the reconciliation process.

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Chilliwack School District recognizes our responsibility to students, staff, and families - past, present, and future. The Coast Salish philosophy of Tómiyeqw guides us to think deeply about any action, or inaction, we take. Tómiyeqw expresses the responsibility and connection Stó:lō people have to the seven generations past and future. Tómiyeqw is a Halq'eméylem term that literally means both great-great-great-great grandparent/aunt/uncle and great-great-great-great grandchild/niece/nephew.

Tómiyeqw reminds us to think beyond our own lifetimes and act with care for future generations. 

Fourth Annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow

On September 26 and 27, 2025, the Indigenous Education department and Chilliwack Secondary School are hosting the 4th annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow. The event will be held at Chilliwack Secondary School at 46363 Yale Road and is open to the public. 

SCHEDULE

Grand entry: Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1:00pm and 7:00pm. 

Feast: Saturday, Sept. 27 at 5:00pm

For more information, see flyer. 

Wear orange

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.  The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

On September 30, we encourage our school communities to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.

Mental health supports available

Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).

Resources and Activities

Find more resources and activities to support learning and teaching about Reconciliation.