Reconciliation in Action

“For many years, Indigenous children were taken from their families and communities and forced into Residential Schools. Others were separated through Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and ongoing systems that disrupted language, culture, family and belonging.

We remember the children who never came home. We honour Survivors, families, and communities who continue to carry these experiences.

Truth and Reconciliation calls us not only to remember the past, but to ensure that these harms are never repeated, denied, or forgotten.

What is needed for a better future?

What helps us build a world where every child is valued, every culture is respected, and every community can thrive? Share your answers with us.”

– Rev. Lauren Sanders, Spiritual Care Manager

On this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we invite you to put reconciliation into action in one of the following ways:
1. Reflect on Rev. Lauren Sanders’ question: “What is needed for a better future? What helps us build a world where every child is valued, every culture is respected, and every community can thrive? Share your answers with us at [email protected].”
2. Attend a local Truth and Reconciliation event (listed below)
3. Learn and unlearn through the resources provided in our 2026 justice-themed Advent calendar that explores ways to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 59 and 60.

Below is a list of local Truth and Reconciliation events:

Cleansing the Path: Cedar Medicine, Ancestral Wisdom, and Truth in Action
Mon, Sept 28 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Vancouver Public Library – Kitsilano Branch – 2425 MacDonald St.

Smudging Traditions with Elder Marvin Delorme
Tues, Sept 29 from 3:30pm
Vancouver Public Library – nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch – 370 E Hastings

Orange Shirt Day Commemoration Event
Tues, Sept 29^th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm  

Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day
Wed, Sept 30 from 11:45am – 3:00pm
UBC Vancouver Campus – 1956 Main Mall

MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver
Wed, Sept 30 from 10am – 5pm
115 West Esplanade, North Vancouver
Pay-what-you-can

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Indigenous-led events
Wed, Sept 30 at 9:00am
Arts Umbrella, Granville Island – 1400 Johnston St

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day Event
Wed, Sept 30 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Grandview Park

Calendar

Join us in preparation for the winter season as we work through a justice-focused Advent and Christmas calendar, created by Rev. Lauren Sanders, Spiritual Care Manager (Prairie Band Potawatomi/mshkodéni bodewadminwen, Kickapoo Nation of Kansas/kiikaapoa, African American/Black).

Together, we’ll learn and work through ways to respond to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 59 and 60.

The calendar runs from November 29 to January 5 and features daily actions that we can participate in together. This important work is part of our commitment to putting reconciliation into action.

Click here for the 2026 Advent and Christmas Calendar

Calendar

Join us this winter season as we work through a justice-focused Advent and Christmas calendar, created by Rev. Lauren Sanders, Spiritual Care Manager (Prairie Band Potawatomi/mshkodéni bodewadminwen, Kickapoo Nation of Kansas/kiikaapoa, African American/Black).

Together, we’ll learn about the Doctrine of Discovery and the harmful influence and impact it has had and continues to have on our theology and laws in Canada and around the world. We’ll look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 45, 46, 47 and how we can respond.

The calendar runs from November 30 to January 5 and features daily actions that we can participate in together. This important work is part of our commitment to putting reconciliation into action.

Advent and Christmas Calendar 2025