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Pictured: Pastor Bekah observing work at the Art of Reconciliation display in the Hall of Honour at the Legislature. The paddle she is viewing honours the artist's grandmother, who attempted to flee residential school in a canoe. The beadwork hanging from the paddle reads: No More Fear, Only Love.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is held to commemorate the legacy of residential schools, fulfilling one of many recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is observed this Friday, September 30th. 

"Observed" is an important distinctive.  This is not a holiday of celebration, rather it is one to engage with through education, reflection, lament, and actions of justice.  As a faith community, we invite you to consider some of the ways we might make Jesus known around us as we observe this special day.  In addition to wearing an orange shirt, here are some ideas for observing this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation well:

  1. Participate in a local observance service.  In Victoria you will find an Orange Shirt Day Ceremony happening Friday 10am - 12:30pm in Centennial Square.  More information here.

  2. Visit the Art of Reconciliation installation at the BC Parliament Building, Hall of Honors.  Pastor Bekah was a part of the first cohort involved in this project, and has helped connect our church as a community partner.  You will be deeply affected by both the art and the artist's reflections on the process of engaging with truth and reconciliation conversations. More information here.

  3. Read a book by an Indigenous author. (If you don't know where to start, Pastor Kyla recommends Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese) 

  4. Listen to a podcast featuring Indigenous voices. 

  5. Watch a video  featuring Indigenous ideas.  This video features a scholar's thoughts on what it could look like for Canada to be called toward something better.  Expand the narratives informing your thinking.

  6. Read the Calls to Action.  If you've read them before, read them again holding in mind whether you have been an agent of making Jesus' truth and justice known in this land.

  7. Pray, and then engage in acts of justice.  Pray, inviting Holy Spirit to speak with you about what thinking you may need to change, what patterns you may need to break, what attitudes you may need to surrender, and what action would make Jesus' love truly known in your community.  Then stand up from your prayers and take the action you've been called toward.