National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, Snuneymuxw First Nation, City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools are honouring our Ancestors, survivors and families by honouring a Snuneymuxw way of being.

The public is invited to honour all those that were impacted by government Indigenous assimilation policies, including residential and day schools. By following in the footsteps of the Ancestors, and honouring a Snuneymuxw way of being with Snuneymuxw protocol, art and a new hul’q’umi’num’ place name, we honour the Land and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in keeping Snuneymuxw culture alive.

Join us at Nanaimo’s Stadium District (745 Third Street). This day will bring community together to give an opportunity to listen, learn and work together to create a better future. Free activities will take place throughout Stadium District. These activities will include cultural performances on the mainstage and demonstrations/clinics provided by local sports teams at select facilities. There will also be a variety of market vendors and food trucks with yummy treats for purchase.

AGENDA

• 9:55 am: Community Event – Main Stage at Rotary Bowl
• 10 am: Drumming in of dignitaries and honoured guests
• 10:10 am: Opening Prayer by Elder Lolly Good
• 10:15 am: Welcome Acting Chief, Bill Yoachim and a moment of silence to remember and honour those lost and survivors
• 10:30 am: Yvonne Rigsby-Jones recognition of survivors and intergenerational survivors
• 11 am: Elder Jerry Brown and Noel Brown talk about q’unq’inuqstuxw and Acting Chief Bill Yoachim, Mayor Leonard Krog, SD68 Chair Charlene McKay, Senator Mary Jane McCallum and MLA Sheila Malcolmson speak to the significance of the day, q’unq’inuqstuxw stadium name and sign
• 11:45 am: Acting Chief Bill Yoachim speaks to Snuneymuxw sports/athletes past and present and gives overview of afternoon activities
• 11:55 am: Debbie Good and Leanore Hampton sing and Acting Chief Bill Yoachim closes morning community event
• 12 pm: Main Stage performances by Children and Youth
• 12:30-4 pm: Afternoon Community Activities for children,  youth and adults, including sports, music, performances, games, skating at NIC, swimming at NAC, activities at fields, NDSS Gym and food and merchandise vendors
  • Skating at NIC (12-1:15 pm, 1:30-2:45 pm, 3-4:15 pm)
  • Swimming at NAC (12-1:30 pm, 2:15-4 pm)

~Interactive Booths~

• Parks, Recreation & Culture
• Nanaimo Art Gallery
• Nanaimo Museum
• Port Theatre
• Volunteer Nanaimo
• Coastal Water Store
• Nanaimo Fire Rescue
• BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program
• Nanaimo Historical Society & Nanaimo Family History Society
• Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
• Nanaimo Astronomy Society
• Nanaimo Ladysmith School District
• Mid Island Metis Nation
• Boys & Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island

~Artisan Booths~

• Brenda Pon
• Don Bonner representing Migwan & WaveMaker Press

~Sports Teams~

• Salish Storm Hockey
• Mid Island Pirates
• Nanaimo Track & Field Club
• PacificSport VI
• Nanaimo United Football Club
• School District 68 Lacrosse and Basketball Groups