Truth & Reconciliation September 30th

It wasn't long ago, September 30th was just another day at the office - per se. But in 2021, The Federal government established September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. A day of serious reflection during which Canadians are encouraged to wear orange shirts to commemorate the children who were sent to residential schools, consider the nation’s history of harm, and focus on its obligation to Indigenous Peoples. In 2023, an Act was officially created, also making Sept 30th a provincial public holiday therefore applying it under BC's employment standards rather than a day of passive observation.

How can we spend this day reflecting together? Here are some local options to learn, connect, and spend it with its appropriate intention:

11 AM–3 PM
Glen Pine Pavilion, Coquitlam — children's activities, crafts, Indigenous learning resources, livestream, and age-specific storytelling. A screening of INDIAN HORSE (14+)

1PM–3:30 PM
Port Moody Blanket Exercise — much more immersive and led by Elder Sam George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Free, but registration is required.

10 AM–3 PM

Coquitlam - Place des Arts

First Nations artists share personal stories and discuss their artistic practices. Attendees create a small art piece to take home. It is open to all ages, but children need to be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required because space and materials are limited.

Port Coquitlam

If you're looking for something you can do as a family without attending an organized event, Port Coquitlam has a self-guided Historical Continuum walk along the Traboulay PoCo Trail between Lions Park and Gates Park.

Interpretive panels along the Coquitlam River also tell natural and cultural-history stories, including the heritage of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation.

September 30 may now be an official provincial statutory holiday in British Columbia, but there is an important distinction about what it may it mean for different workplaces.

What is actually closed?

For the Tri-Cities specifically, what can we expect to see open?

Walmart — Coquitlam Centre

• 7 AM–10 PM

Save-On-Foods

• Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody locations are operating 7am-10pm

Real Canadian Superstore

• 7 AM–11 PM.

Thrifty Foods — Port Moody

7 AM–10 PM.

• Costco — Port Coquitlam

9 AM–8:30 PM.

Coquitlam Centre

• The mall is operating; individual stores can have different hours.

OPEN, BUT REDUCED HOURS

Port Coquitlam Community Centre

9 AM–1 PM

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre

1 PM–5 PM

Also open specifically on statutory holidays.

Coquitlam City Facilities

Coquitlam has some unusual exceptions:

• Glen Pine Pavilion: 11 AM–4 PM

• City Centre Aquatic Complex: fitness centre 10:30 AM–10:30 PM;

• Mundy Park Pool: lap pool 6 AM–11 PM; both pools 11 AM–7:30 PM

• Other major recreation facilities are closed.

What can we expect to be closed?

Coquitlam

Closed September 30:

• City Hall

• Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex

• Poirier Community Centre

• Pinetree Community Centre

• Maillardville Community Centre

• Dogwood Pavilion

• Centennial Pavilion

• Centennial Activity Centre

• Summit Community Centre

• Town Centre Park Community Centre

• Smiling Creek Activity Centre

• Connections Youth Lounge

• Landing Youth Centre

• Getaway Youth Centre

• Animal Shelter

Port Moody

Port Moody Recreation Complex — CLOSED

Kyle Centre — CLOSED

Most importantly, the fact that September 30 is a statutory holiday doesn't mean the purpose of the day is simply a day off. The legislation specifically establishes it as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, intended to honour residential-school survivors and remember the children who did not return home.