Maple Ridge, B.C., September 24, 2024 - The City of Maple Ridge will join communities across Canada on September 30 to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the survivors of the residential school system, remembers the children who never made it home, and reflects on the historical and ongoing impacts of residential schools on Indigenous families and communities.
Ways to Honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City invites residents to attend the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event on September 29 at Memorial Peace Park, organized by the Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS) in partnership with Katzie First Nation, PLEA Community Services, and BC SPOKES. The event’s theme, “Acknowledging Indigenous Resilience,” celebrates the strength and perseverance of Indigenous communities. For the first time, the City is offering free underground parking at City Hall to encourage community participation.
In recognition, City Hall will be illuminated in orange Sept. 27 and the Every Child Matters flags have been raised. Flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-mast on Sept. 30. The community is encouraged to wear orange to show their support and use the time to reflect and learn.
"The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to listen, learn and acknowledge the painful truths of our past and commit to the journey of healing and understanding,” said Mayor Ruimy. “As a city, we are dedicated to advancing reconciliation and building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities. Together, we can move toward a more just and compassionate future."
Maple Ridge’s Commitment to Reconciliation
Council’s Strategic Plan identifies and commits to opportunities for the City to move forward on a path of Truth and Reconciliation, which includes working closely with Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓) First Nation and Kwantlen (Qw’ó’el) First Nation and developing the City’s Indigenous Relations and Engagement Strategy.
Over the last year, the City has taken meaningful steps in this journey of reconciliation, including collaborating with local Indigenous artists on street banners and new gateway signs that honour Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓) First Nation and Kwantlen (Qw’ó’el) First Nation have been stewards of this place since time immemorial. Katzie First Nation also participated in our 2024 Summer Games and 150th Anniversary, marking important milestones in the relationship.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Federal Government established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday. The day serves to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, ensuring that the history and legacy of residential schools remain central to the reconciliation process.
For anyone needing support, the National Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-800-721-0066 or the 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.
For more information, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Education and Exhibits or the Orange Shirt Society: Resources and Ideas.
Facility Closures
Some City facilities, including City Hall, have reduced hours or are closed on September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Regular hours will resume on October 1. For details on facility closures, visit MapleRidge.ca/HolidayHours.
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Media Contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249