Mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Surrey

Published 9:00 am Saturday, September 26, 2026

The City of Surrey is inviting everyone to take time to walk the path of reconciliation.

Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to recognize the history and impact of the residential school system. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it honours the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples and survivors, while remembering the children who never returned home.

“The City encourages all residents to meaningfully reflect on this day and support ongoing efforts toward truth, healing and reconciliation,” the city says in a website post.

Ways to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

• Sept. 26: Visit Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House for Every Child Matters Open House to learn about the significance of the orange T-shirt and share what Every Child Matters means to you

• Sept. 30: Wear an orange shirt to honour the survivors of residential schools

• Sept. 30: Take a moment to reflect at Surrey Civic Plaza as City Hall will be illuminated in orange

• Explore Surrey’s Indigenous Public Art Collection, including Rain Pierre’s vinyl wrap design for a wall at Clayton Community Centre library (7155 187A St.); ȻEN,TOEL: Being together, Joan Williams’ Mural at the City Centre Library; Robert Davidson’s Eagle Calling sculpture at Frank Hurt Park, 13828 77 Ave., and more. For the full list, see tinyurl.com/SurreyIndigenousPublicArt

• Visit the Where are the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools exhibition at Museum of Surrey’s Indigenous Hall (17710 56A Ave.), produced in partnership with Semiahmoo First Nation, Kwantlen First Nation and Katzie First Nation. This Legacy of Hope Foundation exhibition uses archival photographs and documents to tell the story of the 125-year history of the residential school system. Photographs, text panels and artifacts move the witness through the process of leaving home and arriving at school, to school activities and being part of a classroom. See more at tinyurl.com/IndigenousMuseumSurrey

Want to know more? Search for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the City of Surrey’s website, surrey.ca (or find a direct link at tinyurl.com/SurreyTRD)