We acknowledge with respect and gratitude that the City of Pitt Meadows is located on the traditional, unceded territory of q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation who were stewards of this land since time immemorial.
The City stands with Indigenous peoples, committed to learning and evolving, as we acknowledge this historical truth and take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. We also recognize the journey of Truth and Reconciliation we are currently on at the City.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, all Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S) people in Canada (Red Dress Day)
Red Dress Day is on May 5, and started as a response by Métis artist Jamie Black to the more than 1000 missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. The red dresses displayed are empty as a reminder of the lost lives of those who should be wearing them.
To learn more about the REDress Project, please visit www.jaimeblackartist.com/exhibitions.
Red Dress Day Ceremony in Pitt Meadows
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It is a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolving Canada. We also recognize the journey of Truth and Reconciliation we are currently on at the City.
The local q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation people have lived and thrived in this territory for thousands of years. To this day, Katzie maintain deep connections to our shared lands and the rivers, sloughs, creeks, and wetlands that run through the heart of this territory. Katzie are integral members of our community, history and culture as a city.
Learn more about National Indigenous History Month and how to participate.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21—or around that time of year—because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
As an organization, we continue to explore ongoing opportunities to highlight Indigenous excellence, learn from Indigenous leaders, and honour the work that needs to be done toward Truth and Reconciliation. We encourage others to join us and commit to continuous learning through formalized training, reading and sharing of historical and present-day narratives, and working to educate yourselves and others about Indigenous history.
Every year, numerous activities are organized across the country on June 21 to showcase the richness and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultural expressions and stories. Learn more.
Working With q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation
q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation Artist Rain Pierre Exhibit and Mural
The Pitt Meadows Art Gallery reopened with an inaugural exhibit featuring the work of q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation artist Rain Pierre. Along with the exhibition, Rain’s murals were unveiled on the exterior of the South Bonson Community Centre.
City Honours Red Dress Day
The City once again recognized the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) people in Canada—also known as Red Dress Day—with a ceremony in šxʷhék̓ʷnəs (Spirit Square).
City’s New Territory Acknowledgement Plaques
The City collaborated with q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation to update and expand the City's territory land acknowledgement, which included creating new territory land acknowledgement plaques that will be displayed in all City facilities.
Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The City honoured National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the opening reception for the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery exhibit, Memories, by Burnaby-based Cree artist, James Groening. The event included drumming, singing and open sharing.