Jordan’s Principle Enhanced Service Coordination Hub for BC

In observance of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, BCACCS and the Jordan’s Principle Hub will be closed on Wednesday, September 30th.

September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. (Orange Shirt Society)

The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

KUU-US Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717

Below is a list of some of the events happening across B.C. To find even more events honouring Truth & Reconciliation Day in the province and across Canada, please visit this link. (From: First Peoples’ Cultural Council)

1. Victoria
   • Date and Time: September 30, 2026 – gates open at 10:00 am
   • Event details: Songhees First Nation Powwow at the Royal Athletic Park. Grand entry at 12:00 pm
   • More info
2. Coquitlam
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
   • Event details: Join Indigenous artists for a free, public community event on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as they share their personal stories, reflect on their journeys, and showcase their unique art forms. Registration is required
   • More info
3. Maple Ridge
   • Date and time: September 27, 2026 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
   • Event details: Following an opening march, there will be: Indigenous guest speakers, cultural performances, over 50 Indigenous and local vendors and artisans, a community art project and more.
   • More info
4. Prince George
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026; events starting at 12:00 pm
   • Event details: At Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park
   • More info
5. Kamloops
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
   • Event details: At Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Arbour, 345 Powwow Trail, Kamloops, BC
   • More info
6. Kelowna
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
   • Event details: (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums. Free, all-ages, guided and self-guided stations will help you learn about the history and culture of the Syilx people.
   • More info
7. Fort St. John 
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
   • Event details: Join the Fort St. John Friendship Society for a day of community gathering, guest speakers, traditional dancers, orange shirt decorating, a walk and a community BBQ. At the Fort St. John Friendship Society.
   • More info
8. Vancouver
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
   • Event details: Visitors of all ages will be welcomed to engage in hands-on activities, guided tours and thoughtful games developed to inspire meaningful dialogue about the history of Indigenous rights. At the Museum of North Vancouver
   • More info
9. Quesnel
   • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
   • Event details: This event is designed to promote awareness about the Indian residential school system and the multigenerational impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century. At Lhtako Dene Park.
   • More info
10. Penticton
    • Date and time: September 30, 2026 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
    • Event details: This 2km walk is open to the public. Please wear orange, blue or green shirts to support the children, survivors and communities. Starting point: Safeway, 1301 Main St. #801
    • More info

We encourage everyone to continue seeking out Indigenous voices, stories, and businesses in your communities and beyond. This is an opportunity for all of us to consider what we can do as individuals to advance reconciliation and recommit to learning and deepening our understanding of our shared history.

Here are a few ideas of what we all can do to recognize and mark this day.

• Visit the Orange Shirt Society’s website
• Watch Indigenous stories and perspectives through APTN’s programming. Check the APTN schedule for programs airing on September 30.
• Read an Indigenous-authored account of residential school experiences
• Write a letter to Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce at Beechwood Cemetery (find out how to write your letter here).
• Access residential school survivor stories
• Explore a virtual Reconciling History Walking Tour to learn about the complete and true story of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Read Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action
• Watch films by the legendary Alanis Obomsawin, such as Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger, Hi-Ho Mistahey! (short version is perfect for classes), and We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice. There are learning guides to accompany each of these films that can be found on the National Film Board website.
• Watch the Spirit Bear films online for free at Spirit Bear TV.
• Reflect on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Enhance your learning of local Indigenous languages
• Familiarize yourself with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

For Support with Jordan’s Principle