Take reconciliACTION this Sept. 30

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the children who did not return home from residential schools, Survivors, their families and communities, and to reflect on the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation. September 30 is one day to pause and reflect, but the work of Truth and Reconciliation continues throughout the year.

For settlers, continuing to honour the Truth and working towards reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility.

At Okanagan College, we invite students and employees to take some time to learn and think about how we can each contribute to reconciliACTION with the emphasis on taking action.
Some ways to take part this month

• Join us at an Okanagan College information table: Put it in your calendar and make time to visit the table on your campus on September 29, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Wear orange: Wear an orange shirt on September 29 and September 30.
  • OC campus stores have Indigenous designed orange T-shirts and T-shirt pins for sale 
• Keep learning: Check out the OC Library’s Talis list for resources to help with your learning and unlearning.
• Attend an upcoming event in your community (see events below)
• Show your support online: Find virtual backgrounds and other images from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation here.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events (Please search in your community; not a full list)

Penticton 
Walk for the Children - syilx.org/event/walk-for-the-children/
Kelowna

• Assorted events - instagram.com/p/DdSHQpaEqvl/ 
• Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, 10 a.m. to noon: Gather at 442 Leon Avenue, pick up rocks and ties for Paint the Town Orange; march to the Cenotaph for speeches, songs, and remembrance.
• The Okanagan Heritage Museum to learn about the history and culture of the syilx people, both pre and post contact.
  • Explore self-guided learning stations, participate in hands-on activities, and create a small keepsake to take home. You’ll gain new, local perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation and the residential school experience.
  • Two reading circles exploring the 94 Calls to Action.
• Truth & Reconciliation - Metis Community Services - 3 - 5 p.m., Mashkwa Healing Ground - 2300 Lynrick Road.
• Sisters in Spirit March and Vigil - October 5 - 4 p.m., gather at Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (442 Leon).

West Kelowna
Truth & Reconciliation at Sncewips - Sep. 30 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sncewips - 260-525 Highway 97S
Vernon
Reconciliation in Action community gathering – North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society, 2904 29 Avenue
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  vernonfirstnationsfriendshipcentre.com

Salmon Arm

Wed, Sept. 30, 1 - 4 p.m. - Weed Pull (to remove the invasive Virginia Creeper from the trail's edge)
4 p.m. - words from Louis Thomas and snacks
3277 - 1 Ave SW, Salmon Arm