National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is about honouring Indigenous Peoples and communities impacted by the residential school system — including survivors, those who never returned home, and their families.

We recognize that reconciliation requires a commitment to understand the painful truths about residential schools and assimilation policies that attempted to eradicate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and languages. Colonial actions and policies isolated Indigenous Peoples and communities and led to deeply rooted systemic issues and negative socio-economic impacts.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation reminds us to evaluate our roles and take action in supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and future generations on this ongoing journey.

Transportation connections to truth and reconciliation

TransLink is committed to a multijurisdictional effort to improve transportation options for Indigenous communities in Metro Vancouver.

TransLink’s network and public spaces play an important role in cultural recognition to instill Indigenous representation and voices through art, stories, and language. This week, TransLink featured three xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) murals on the Canada Line Bridge, which spans the Fraser River connecting Richmond and Vancouver. The selected xʷməθkʷəy̓əm artists were: Mack Paul, Diamond Point, and Hailee Stogan. Each artist created a mural reflecting the past, present, and future of the region, through the lens of colonialism and reconciliation.

• LEARN MORE: Discover Indigenous art on transit

This year, TransLink instituted a single zone fare, through a tariff amendment, for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation so Indigenous Peoples and others can attend local events to honour residential school survivors and Indigenous communities still impacted or grieving a family member. This means riders will only need a 1-Zone fare to travel across all zones. Bus and SeaBus will operate on a standard weekday schedule, while the SkyTrain will operate standard weekday hours with reduced peak service.

Check out local events listed below and use the Trip Planner to plan your route.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events

Visit New Westminster Pier Park, the traditional and unceded territories of qiqéyt – Qayqayt First Nation, and kʷikʷəƛəm̓ – Kwikwetlem First Nation, to observe a pipe ceremony by Spirit of the Children Society that will honour lost children, survivors and families of the residential school system.

• When: September 30, 2022
• Time: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Take time to learn about Indigenous cultural practices through weaving, conversation, and poetry at the Yaletown Roundhouse (traditional and unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm – Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw – Squamish Nation, and səlilwətaɬ – Tsleil-Waututh First Nation) from September 29 to October 1. You must register to attend any events.

Visit Griffin Art Projects in North Vancouver (traditional and unceded territories of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm – Musqueam, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw – Squamish Nation, and səlilwətaɬ – Tsleil-Waututh First Nation) to hear from Indigenous artist of Squamish and ‘Namgis First Nations about his recent artwork.

• When: September 30, 2022
• Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) will be holding a public ceremony to gift the City of Vancouver a new street name to replace Trutch Street.

• When: September 30, 2022
• Where: Musqueam Community Centre
• Time: 1 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (public welcome)

Fraser River Indigenous Society will be hosting an event in the spirit of reconciliation at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge (traditional and unceded territories of qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən – Kwantlen First Nation and q̓ícə̓y – Katzie First Nation). There will be shirt painting, drummers, and bannock.

• When: September 30, 2022
• Time: 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Participate in a truth and reconciliation walk and blanket exercise hosted by scə̓ waθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen First Nation). Everyone is encouraged to wear orange shirts and accessories.

• When: September 30, 2022
• Time: 10 a.m.