COQUITLAM, B.C., September 11, 2026 – To mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the City of Coquitlam will be hosting and supporting a variety of local events and resources that provide opportunities for reflection, understanding and connection.

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day observed across Canada to recognize the lasting impacts of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples, honour Survivors and acknowledge the harm experienced by those in the residential school system.

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

Coquitlam Acknowledges National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Central to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is public commemoration to ensure understanding and recognition of the lasting effects of the residential school system. As such, the City will be raising the Survivors’ Flag at Coquitlam City Hall from September 28 to 30, and illuminating the lighting features along Pinetree Way and at Lafarge Lake in orange from September 27 to 30. 

To learn more about the meaning of the flag and hear Survivors’ perspectives, visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.

Community Events and Opportunities for Learning

Residents are encouraged to take part in local events and explore opportunities to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation:

• September 24: 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 or to register, please visit coquitlam.ca/registration.
• September 26: Evergreen Arts – Painted Stories of the Moon with Jordanna George: Join Indigenous artist Jordanna George for a hands-on painting workshop inspired by lunar themes, reflection and artistic expression. To learn more and register, visit evergreenarts.ca.
• September 30: Glen Pine Pavilion – Day of Reflection and Learning: The City of Coquitlam and Coquitlam Public Library invite you to Glen Pine Pavilion for a variety of learning opportunities from children’s activities to adult workshops, offering space to explore, create and reflect. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/calendar.
• September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Place des Arts: Spend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous artists to learn about their artistic practices, create your own art piece and explore Indigenous resources and activities from the Coquitlam Public Library. To learn more and register, visit placedesarts.ca.

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

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. 

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, Coquitlam continues to foster strong government-to-government relationships through open dialogue, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and collaborative efforts to advance reconciliation. To learn more, visit coquitlam.ca/reconciliation.

Resources to Deepen Your Understanding of Truth and Reconciliation
 
Learn more about the rich histories, cultures, governance, values, and visions of Indigenous Peoples. 

Media contact:
Heather Escaravage
Senior Advisor Indigenous & Intergovernmental Relations 
604-927-4317
hescaravage@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.