National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Fort Langley National Historic Site

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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.

Join us at Fort Langley National Historic Site, on Saturday, September 28, for a special event dedicated to this important day. Attend a presentation by Len Pierre, from the Len Pierre Consulting, an Indigenous Leadership, Innovation, & Transformation Consulting Group; visit the Métis Nation BC exhibit in the Big House; watch Indigenous videos in the theatre; and make an Orange Shirt Day button.

Orange Shirt Day, also observed on September 30, 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, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. However you choose to participate and commemorate, let us all take the time to listen and learn, to begin or deepen our understanding of the truths that we must acknowledge before full reconciliation can occur.

Links

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event Details parks.canada.ca

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Fort Langley National Historic Site

Experience the excitement of the early West Coast fur trade at Fort Langley and stand in the spot where BC was proclaimed a British colony in 1858. Explore the scenic fort—built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1827—where fur traders once exchanged furs, salmon and cranberries with Indigenous communities.

The Fort Langley National Historic Site is packed with interactive displays and activities for the whole family, including a children’s play area. Watch blacksmithing, barrel-making or historic weapons demonstrations, pan for gold and laugh along with an interpretive program. Visit their website for updates on their daily schedule and events calendar.

Additional experiences include overnight stays in a furnished oTENTik and audio tours. There is also Free parking on-site for visitors. The Fort Langley National Historic Site is within walking distance of the Fort Langley Village where you can explore locally owned shops, cafes, restaurants, museums and beautiful walking trails along the Fraser River.