In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to document the effects of the residential school system in Canada. The holiday honours up to 150, 000 indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their homes for cultural assimilation over more than a century. Some of the last federally funded residential schools in Saskatchewan and Nunavut only closed as late as 1997.

By 2015 the Commission released its 94 Calls to Action. Call to Action 80 called for a statutory holiday to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities.

Elder Stephen Armstrong of Kwikwetlem First Nation will open the day with a traditional welcoming. Educator and artist Christine Mackenzie from the Kwakiutl First Nation will welcome participants around an artistic rendering of a fireplace.

Fostering connections through art and storytelling

Participants can attend both 45-minute workshops during a morning session from 10 a.m. to noon, or an afternoon session from 1 to 3 p.m. Each session can accommodate up to 60 participants. They will be divided into two groups, with each group attending one workshop before switching to the other.

Mackenzie will lead participants in a talking circle to emphasize sharing, reflection and listening to the experiences of others. She will share the stories that were passed down to her, and her personal experiences to foster connection, care and understanding with participants.

The other workshop will be led by Nova Weipert, an Anishinaabe Ojibwe, Two-Spirit, transgender artist, and educator from the Pinaymootang First Nation. Weipert will conduct a dreamcatcher workshop using traditional sinew made from animal tendon.

Participants will learn about the Ojibwe story associated with dreamcatchers while making their own.

“The workshops are an interactive experience that can combine creativity, storytelling and conversation to foster learning, connection and understanding of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” says Joan McCauley, the centre’s Executive Director.

“We are really guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, which asks cultural organizations to elevate Indigenous voices and perspectives,” adds McCauley, who has led the organization since 2008,

Our stories, our voices

For the past several years, Mackenzie and Place des Arts have brought First Nations perspectives and arts to the centre. Most recently, Mackenzie mentored and curated the works of First Nations, Métis women, and Two-Spirit artists, featured in last fall’s exhibition.

Throughout the year, the centre works with other First Nations artists through its Artist in Residence Program which provides 10 free workshops to local community schools.

Elder Leonard “Tiger” Williams from Quatsino First Nation, one of these artists, leads a workshop on traditional cedar bark weaving.

“This is definitely an ongoing commitment for us, and we’re going to continue this work, listening and learning, and evolving as an organization,” says McCauley.

The Coquitlam Public Library will provide books from its Indigenous collection and will also offer a simple craft activity.

Vancity is sponsoring the event, making it free to the public. Registration is free and highly recommended.

It is important to arrive on time for Elder Armstrong’s Opening Remarks and traditional welcoming.

More information is online www.placedesarts.ca/events