Honouring truth, reconciliation in Surrey, White Rock and Delta
Published 1:30 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2026
As the country observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Wednesday, there are several events planned locally in Surrey, White Rock and Delta that people can attend.
Held annually on Sept. 30 to honour residential school survivors, their families, and communities, and to recognize the lasting impacts of Canada’s residential school system, the national holiday also reflects the ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation.
In White Rock, Semiahmoo First Nation is welcoming the community to its sixth annual Walk for Truth and Reconciliation Wednesday (Sept. 30), which starts at 11 a.m. at Grand Chief Bernard Robert Charles Memorial Plaza in East Beach.
Following the walk, the community is invited to gather in Semiahmoo Park for an afternoon of activities, including a welcome from Semiahmoo First Nation, performances by Kwel Eng Sen Youth Dancers and JB The First Lady, an Indigenous marketplace, and a complimentary lunch by the Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association.
This year’s keynote speaker is CEO and co-founder of the Orange Shirt Society, Phyllis Webstad. Webstad is widely recognized for helping bring greater awareness to the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the message that Every Child Matters. Her presence means the community will hear directly from a residential school survivor and learn from her experience and advocacy.
“Each year, the Walk for Truth and Reconciliation brings our communities together in a spirit of remembrance, reflection and healing,” said Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell. “We walk to honour the children who never returned home, to recognize the strength of survivors and their families, and to ensure their stories continue to be heard. We welcome everyone to walk with us and share in this important journey toward truth and reconciliation.”
The event goes until 2 p.m.; find out more at whiterockcity.ca.
In Surrey, the city is inviting everyone to take time to walk the path of reconciliation.
“The city encourages all residents to meaningfully reflect on this day and support ongoing efforts toward truth, healing and reconciliation,” the city said in a website post.
Ways to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Surrey include:
• 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.
In Delta, the public is welcome to join Tsawwassen First Nation for a community walk to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the TFN Recreation Centre.
“We encourage everyone to wear orange as a visible expression of support, remembrance, and commitment to reconciliation,” TFN posted on social media. “Together, we can take time to learn, reflect, and walk in solidarity.”