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 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
Friday, 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.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day – September 30
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.
In 2024, the City recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the following:
- Wednesday, September 25, 5:00 p.m. at the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery, the public joined us for drumming, singing and open sharing as we honoured the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the opening reception of the James Groening: Memories exhibition. Learn more.
- City Hall was lit up with orange lights from September 23 - 30.
- City flags were lowered to half-mast from September 27 - 30.
- A Place of Reflection is located beside the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation flag at šxʷhék̓ʷnəs (Spirit Square) where we encourage the community to visit and take a moment to consider the painful parts of Canada's history as it relates to our past and current relations with Indigenous communities, and how to move forward together towards a better future.
Educational Free Workshops
Len Pierre Consulting has provided links to these free workshops:
Len Pierre is Coast Salish from Katzie (kate-zee) First Nation. Len is a professor, consultant, TEDx Speaker, social activist, change agent and traditional Knowledge Keeper. He has a Masters degree in Education from Simon Fraser University focusing on Indigenous curriculum and instructional design. His experience includes Indigenous education and program leadership from various organizations across colonial Canada.
For more information about Len Pierre Consulting and additional workshops, please visit lenpierreconsulting.com.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Across the country, you can find open to public local activities organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers a free virtual educational program from September 23-27, 2024, to all schools across Canada. This is a transformative journey for students, educators, and the broader community to engage with the history and enduring spirit of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. Programming is available in English, French and ASL. Registration is required. The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
Mental Health Supports Available
- Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
- Indigenous Peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
- Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (please use Google Chrome).
Educational Resources
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Government of Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation web page
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation
- Orange Shirt Society
- Reconciliation Canada
- Indigenous Canada, University of Alberta
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.