Two events in New West will give folks a chance to reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
In 2021, Canada designated Sept. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The federal holiday is intended to be a day that honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
These events are taking place in New Westminster on Monday in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Spirit of the Children Society is hosting an event featuring speakers, food, prayer, dance, crafts and more.
This event aims to provide people in New Westminster with an opportunity to witness and learn. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
- When: Monday, Sept. 30, noon to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park south field (behind Queen’s Park Stadium, on First Street)
- Details: More information available online
Downstream Where the Waters Mix exhibition
The New Westminster Museum will be open on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to provide the community with an opportunity to engage with its featured exhibition, Downstream Where the Waters Mix.
While the museum’s existing long-term gallery focuses on the white euro-Canadian experience, it is also striving to present Indigenous histories, knowledge, and ways of being.
“Downstream Where the Waters Mix: A Season of Honouring Our Grandmother’s Healing Journey seeks to disrupt the current narrative and uplift Indigenous histories,” said a writeup on the city’s website. “Curated by lead visionary artist, Nadine Spence, the exhibition features 13 artists from communities along the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. Chests, artwork, and research-based interventions installed throughout the long-term gallery interrupt and displace the existing stories. Artwork and belongings in the feature gallery space, Gallery 7, expand upon these themes within a dedicated space.”
According to the writeup, artists share their colonial realities through their work and communicate the importance of grandmothers, mothers and aunties in their lives.
“We ask visitors to confront difficult and uncomfortable truths,” said the writeup. “The themes and issues discussed in this exhibition are often of a personal nature and may elicit intense, personal emotional responses.”
- When: As part of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation learning opportunity, the museum will be open on Monday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: New Westminster Museum, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St. (third floor)
- Details: Free. Downstream Where the Waters Mix: A Season of Our Grandmothers Healing Journey is featured in the New Westminster Museum until Dec. 15.
