National Day For Truth and Reconciliation 2026 in Chilliwack
Arts & Culture, Autumn, Indigenous Experiences
Tourism Ch’illiwack gratefully acknowledges that we gather on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Pelólhxw and Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribes, who are part of the Stó:lō-Coast Salish Peoples. We recognize the longstanding relationship that Indigenous peoples have with this land, as they are the original caretakers.
In this blog, we’ve gathered a list of events happening in Chilliwack to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Along with these events, you’ll find resources that offer valuable insights into the significance of the day, encouraging both reflection and meaningful action.
Whether you’re looking to attend local events or explore educational materials, there are plenty of opportunities to engage in and contribute to reconciliation efforts.
September 30th and Orange Shirt Day 2026
September 30, 2026, marks the 13th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and the 6th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On this day each year, we honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which pays tribute to the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as the Survivors, their families, and communities. Recognizing the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a crucial part of the reconciliation journey. This federal holiday was established through legislative changes made by Parliament.
Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots, Indigenous-led movement focused on raising awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities while reinforcing the message that “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt serves as a powerful symbol of the cultural loss, freedom, and self-esteem taken from Indigenous children for generations – learn the story behind Orange Shirt Day HERE. On this day, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange in honour of the thousands of residential school Survivors.
Today and every day, we invite you to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection, and a national commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day 2026 Events in Chilliwack
Discover these events to engage in reflection, growth, and self-education:
Chamber Connections: Truth and Reconciliation
On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce presents Chamber Connections: Truth and Reconciliation, an evening centred on learning, connection, and meaningful conversation ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
From 5 to 8 pm, hosted at Shxwhá:y Village Cultural Building (44692-B Skway Road), community members, business professionals, and local leaders are invited to gather and hear from a guest speaker sharing perspectives on Indigenous history, culture, and reconciliation. Through education and open conversation, the evening offers an opportunity to deepen understanding, build stronger relationships, and reflect on the role we can each play in reconciliation.
- Registration is required and now open—Register your spot now for Chamber Connections HERE.
Bridging Hearts: A Step Towards Unity and Healing | September 30, 2026
On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Stó:lō Nation invites all to gather at the Coqualeetza Grounds (near the Longhouse) on 7201 Vedder Road for a day of remembrance and reflection in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
From 10 am to 2 pm, the event “Bridging Hearts: A Step Towards Unity and Healing” will feature Indigenous guest speakers, cultural performances, local Indigenous vendors, and food trucks. Everyone is encouraged to wear an orange shirt as a symbol of support and solidarity, and to join in walking together toward truth, healing, and reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation Day | September 30, 2026
On Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, Greendale Acres Farm (41905 West Yale Road) invites the community to come together in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Indigenous community members are welcomed with free admission from 10 am to 6 am (children 2 and under and guests 75+ are always free), while all guests are encouraged to wear orange in support of Orange Shirt Day. A special cultural sharing with the Pil’alt Canoe Family will take place from 2 to 3 pm, offering a chance to learn and connect. From 11 am to 4 pm, enjoy freshly made bannock, with proceeds—along with a portion of the day’s profits—supporting the Mémiyelhtel Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program, which provides vital, long-term support for youth in our community.
Where to Buy Orange Shirts in Chilliwack
Stó:lō Gift Shop | Building 19-7201 Vedder Road
- The Stó:lō Gift Shop is located at Stó:lō Nation, on the Coqualeetza Grounds in Chilliwack. They offer a wide selection of unique, locally made, authentic Indigenous arts, crafts, giftware, and products from across Canada. Purchase your Orange Shirts HERE.
TwoChiefs | 3-10704 Highway 9, Rosedale
- TwoChiefs, founded by two-spirit artist Kirkland Douglas, is an Indigenous-owned business celebrating Indigenous culture through art. Rooted in tradition and activism, they offer unique products that honour their heritage and uplift Indigenous artists, with each piece telling a meaningful story. Purchase your Every Child Matters shirt HERE.
Cree-a-tive Designs
- An Indigenous-owned business in Chilliwack, they bring your custom clothing ideas to life—from onesies to hoodies. Choose from unique designs or create your own. Special collections like anti-bullying, Every Child Matters, and MMIW shirts give back to artists and charities. Purchase your shirt design online HERE.
Yvette’s Emporium | 137 Dyke Road
- An Indigenous woman-owned business based in Chilliwack, offering a diverse range of products and services, from entertainment to wellness, providing something for everyone. Purchase your Orange Shirts HERE.
Additional Resources
Stó:lō Tourism | 7201 Vedder Road
- From Guided Grounds Tours to Bus and Water Tours, you are invited to discover, explore, and experience the Stó:lō People, Traditions, and Culture. Book your tour with Stó:lō Tourism HERE.
Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre | 7201 Vedder Road
- The Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC) provides professional services rooted in Stó:lō knowledge, protocols, and community. Their work spans cultural and environmental resource management, archaeology, archives, research, educational tours, cultural interpretation, fisheries, genealogy, GIS, lands management, and more. Visit Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre HERE to learn more.
Indigenous Tourism BC
- With 204 Indigenous communities and over 30 languages, British Columbia’s six diverse regions offer rich Indigenous experiences. Connect with the people and languages that have shared the land’s stories for thousands of years. Immersive Indigenous destinations in BC provide a new perspective, transforming your travel experience. Explore Indigenous dining, shopping, accommodations, and cultural tours. Visit Indigenous Tourism BC for more details.
FirstVoices
- FirstVoices is a globally recognized online platform that empowers Indigenous communities to share and promote their languages, oral traditions, and linguistic heritage. It offers cutting-edge technology, training, and technical support to community language champions. These champions work alongside Indigenous Elders, youth, and speakers to create and share language resources, including words, phrases, songs, and stories. Explore the Halq’eméylem language HERE.
Stó:lō Shxwelí Halq’eméylem Language Program Website / Talking Dictionary
- Stories and lessons for learning the Halq’eméylem language, a talking dictionary, and many other resources created by the Stó:lō Shxweli Halq’eméylem Language Program, Elders, participants of S’íwes ye Syewálelh S’qép, and community language teachers. Start your Halq’eméylem Language Program journey HERE.
Halq’eméylem Dictionary
- Browse words and phrases in the dictionary, practice with flashcards, bookmark content and more with the Halq’eméylem mobile app, available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Native Land Digital
- Native Land Digital sparks conversations about colonial history and Indigenous knowledge through resources like their Digital Maps and Territory Acknowledgement Guide. By highlighting the sacredness of land, these maps encourage respect, connection to Indigenous histories, and greater awareness of territories and colonial impacts. Search your location HERE to discover whose land you’re on, and utilize the resources available to learn more.
What Steps Is Tourism Ch’illiwack Taking Towards Reconciliation?
Sí:yá:ya Yóyes: Friends Working Together Plan
Síyá:ya Yóyes Friends Working (Together) Plan is tailored to guide Tourism Ch’illiwack in providing tangible contributions to the reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples.
Tourism Ch’illiwack retained the services of Dan George and Four Directions Management Services to create this plan to ensure Tourism Ch’illiwack is inclusive in its work and contributes to the National Truth and Reconciliation Plan and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
To learn more, visit Sí:yá:ya Yóyes: Friends Working Together Plan.
The Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project
Something new has opened at Peach Park (5325 Peach Road) along the Vedder Rotary Trail – and it’s more than just a space. It’s a step forward. As part of the Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project, the Welcome Portals, Gathering Place, and Sharing Table are now complete.
Led by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and created in partnership with Tourism Ch’illiwack, City of Chilliwack, and Stó:lō Service Agency, these spaces are a tangible reflection of reconciliation in action.
- The Welcome Portals offer a moment of pause – a symbolic entry point to the land, its history, and its meaning.
- The Gathering Place invites learning, storytelling, and cultural connection.
- The Sharing Table introduces a place for connection, generosity, and meaningful conversation through food, culture, and community.
These spaces were built with intention, guided by Indigenous knowledge and a shared vision for a more connected future.
Huge thanks to Partners & Hawes, Urban Arts Architecture, and MacQueen Systems Inc. for bringing this vision to life, with deep care, collaboration, and cultural integrity at every step.
We invite you to visit, reflect, and experience these spaces for yourself. A PLACE TO WELCOME. A SPACE TO GATHER. Discover the Good Neighbours Lhewá:mel Project, the Welcome Portals, Gathering Place, and Sharing Table today.
We look forward to seeing you at the events mentioned above. Tourism Ch’illiwack remains committed to working, learning, and inspiring everyone to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation.
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