COQUITLAM, B.C., September 18, 2025 – To mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Coquitlam will host and support a variety of local events and resources offering residents opportunities for reflection, understanding and connection.  

Some civic facilities and services will be closed or have reduced hours on Tuesday, September 30. For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/hours. 

Reflecting and Remembering in Coquitlam

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — a day marked across Canada to acknowledge the lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, honour Survivors and remember the children who never returned home.

To recognize this important day, the City will host and support opportunities for learning, remembrance, and reflection this month. These include illuminating the lighting features along Pinetree Way and at Lafarge Lake in orange from September 27 to 30 and raising the Survivor’s Flag at Coquitlam City Hall from September 29 to 30. To learn more about the flag and hear Survivors’ perspectives, visit the NCTR website.

Community Events and Opportunities for Learning

Residents are encouraged to join the events offered or to seek ways to enhance their own learning about Truth and Reconciliation. 

• September 25: Dogwood Pavilion – Truth and Reconciliation Tea and Bannock: This free event is presented in partnership with the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors' Society to highlight the importance of reconciliation through guided discussions. For more information, please visit coquitlam.ca/registration.
• September 28: Mundy Park Pool – Stories Behind the Circle of Life and smə́q́ʷaʔ at Mundy Park Pool: Attend a talk with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation, and artist Rosalie Dipcsu (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) to learn more about how the Cultural Recognition pieces at Mundy Park Pool were made. Spaces are limited — to register, please visit coquitlam.ca/registration. To learn more about these cultural recognition pieces, please visit coquitlam.ca/CulturalRecognition.  
• September 30: Glen Pine Pavilion – Day of Reflection and Learning: The City of Coquitlam and Coquitlam Public Library invite you to Glen Pine Pavilion (1200 Glen Pine Court) for a variety of learning opportunities. Programs are available for all ages — from children’s activities to adult workshops — offering space to explore, create, and reflect. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/calendar.
• September 30: Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex Learning Resources: Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier Street) will be open with reduced hours and limited recreation programming. Visitors are invited to explore the educational displays, honour Survivors by wearing orange and pick up an Orange Shirt Day pin (while supplies last).
• September 30: Place des Arts – Empowering Voices Through Art: Take part in this free event with Indigenous artists and educators Christine Mackenzie and Nova Weipert, who will guide participants in exploring how art can help build a stronger, more connected community. To learn more and register, visit placedesarts.ca.

To learn more about local Reconciliation events and learning opportunities, please visit coquitlam.ca/NDTR.

Coquitlam’s Journey Towards Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a key focus in Coquitlam’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, reflecting the City’s dedication to strengthening relationships with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm, other First Nations, and Indigenous peoples. Building on the foundation established in 2022 as a strategic goal in the Corporate Business Plan, Coquitlam continues to foster strong government-to-government partnerships through open dialogue, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and collaborative efforts to advance reconciliation. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/reconciliation.

Wear Orange on September 30

Before it was recognized nationally in 2021, September 30 began as an Indigenous-led, grassroots initiative in Williams Lake, B.C., known as Orange Shirt Day. The day traces its origins to Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt — a gift from her grandmother — was taken from her when she entered residential school at age six. 

Resources to Deepen Your Understanding of Truth and Reconciliation

Learn more about the rich histories, cultures, governance, values, and visions of Indigenous Peoples. 

• kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation): Official Website.
• Coquitlam Public Library: Indigenous Collection – includes booklists for all ages, as well as titles recommended by the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: Education and Exhibits.
• Orange Shirt Society: Resources and Ideas.

Media contact:
Cory Paterson
Director Intergovernmental and External Relations 
604-927-4317
cpaterson@coquitlam.ca

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.