Thousands marched through Chemainus in early August in support of lost children at a former residential school on Penelekut Island. A large crowd is expected to listen and learn during a Truth and Reconciliation Day event in Nanaimo on Thursday, Sept. 30. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

LEARN AND LISTEN

Truth and Reconciliation Day events planned for Snuneymuxw First Nation

Sep 25, 2021 | 6:03 AM

NANAIMO — Thursday, Sept. 30 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Snuneymuxw First Nation will lead an event, partnering with the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, at Maffeo Sutton Park on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will include speeches and stories from Snuneymuxw Elders and survivors of residential schools, performances on the Lions Pavillion as well as the unveiling of a new Welcome Pole at the entrance to the park.

The pole was created by local carver Noel Brown and will sit at the former site of a metallic killer whale statue which was recently removed from the park.

A brief list of events planned for a sombre day of reflection, stories and togetherness planned at Maffeo Sutton Park on Thursday, Sept. 30. (SD68)

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A day of recognition comes after more information came to light on the atrocities committed at Canada’s residential schools.

In May, the remains of 215 children were discovered in unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops.

Since then, thousands more were discovered across the country including over 160 undocumented and unmarked graves on Penelekut Island, site of the former Kuper Island Industrial School.

Earlier in September, Snuneymuxw First Nation received a private donation of $77,250 from an online fundraising campaign, which will help them conduct ground penetrating radar and other searches of the former Nanaimo Indian Hospital site off Fifth St.

Editor’s Note: The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide 24/7 support to residential school survivors and others who are affected. Call 1 (866) 925-4419.

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