The City of Burnaby is committed to working with the four host Nations and the Indigeous population who live in Burnaby to advance reconciliation by building and maintaining positive relationships and meaningfully do this important work together. We respectfully acknowledge that the City of Burnaby is located on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples. Each Nation has distinct histories and distinct traditional territories that fully or partially encompass the city.
Throughout September, in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City hosts multiple events and activities for the community to learn about the history and culture of Indigenous Peoples. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the tragic and painful history of residential schools, and to engage in the healing and reconciliation process.
Featured September programing includes:
Truth and Reconciliation for Newcomers (September 9)
A free introductory workshop designed to help newcomers understand Indigenous history, rights, and title, put on in partnership with MOSAIC.
Film Screening: The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (September 12)
A Canadian film, The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open, is a quiet, realistic drama. The film follows two Indigenous women who, shaped by different lives, meet by chance as they navigate the aftermath of domestic abuse. Following the screening, join us for a discussion where you can engage and reflect on the themes inspiring the film.
Third Annual City of Burnaby’s Hope and Health Community Camp (September 13)
Children and youth can take part in a one-day ReconciliACTION soccer camp. The camp features cultural teachings, training sessions with coaches, mentors and traditional knowledge keepers. It’s a fun-filled day of soccer skills, drills and challenges for kids of all soccer abilities. It's an opportunity for children and youth to engage in the path to reconciliation.
Explore art by Indigenous artists inside City Hall from the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection, and pick-up a free commemorative pin designed by Ryan Johnston, an interdisciplinary artist of mixed Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Celtic descent. The artworks on display explore the realities and impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, alongside depictions of Indigenous resurgence that has survived despite colonial harm. The public can also contribute to the display by creating an orange shirt craft and dropping it off at the City Hall Information Desk.
Incorporated into the display are books written by Indigenous authors from the Burnaby Public Library collections. Books by Indigenous authors provide an opportunity to learn about diverse Indigenous cultures, histories and perspectives which are often marginalized or misrepresented in mainstream narratives. These stories provide insights into the experiences of Indigenous peoples, challenging stereotypes and promoting a deeper understanding of reconciliation.
For more information about these and other activities, visit:
Burnaby.ca/TruthAndReconciliation