Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is observed as Orange Shirt Day. To commemorate the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
It is a time to reflect on the history and traumatic legacy of residential schools in Canada, including seven schools that were located on Vancouver Island.
In recognition of this day, the following public facilities will be closed on Sept. 30: City of Courtenay City Hall, Courtenay Fire Hall, Courtenay Public Works, Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre, Comox Town Hall, Comox Community Centre, Comox Municipal Works Yard, Comox Valley Regional District Office, Comox Valley Sports Centre, Comox Valley Aquatic Centre, LINC Youth Centre, Florence Filberg Centre, Village of Cumberland Office, Village of Cumberland Recreation Centre, Comox Valley Waste Management Centre, Campbell River Waste Management Centre.
On Truth and Reconciliation Day, local government employees are provided with education tools to learn, acknowledge and raise awareness about the impacts of colonialism. Employees are encouraged to participate in local events and activities that acknowledge residential school survivors and those who did not come home.
The public is encouraged to take part in Orange Shirt Day, wear orange on Sept. 30, attend the Comox Valley Spirit Walk between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Registration is at the Florence Filberg Centre at 411 Anderton Avenue and hosted by Comox Valley MIKI'SIW Métis Association and Indigenous Women's Sharing Society.
