Raising of Survivor's Flag in Victoria, opens week long lead in to Truth and Reconciliation Day Saturday

The province of British Columbia hosted a flag raising ceremony on Monday at the Legislature, with government officials, First Nations leaders, Survivors of Residential schools and the public all in attendance to start off a week of observance that will lead into Truth and Reconciliation Day on Saturday.

The event one noted by North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice through her social media stream on Monday.

The significance of the Survivors Flag is something which has been outlined by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation here, noting of the many elements of remembrance that have gone into the flag.

The flag is an expression of remembrance meant to honour residential school survivors. We remember survivors, the children who never returned home and the communities affected. Recognizing the ongoing trauma Indigenous people face as a result of residential schools is an important part of reconciliation.

As the week moves forward, much to the Truth and Reconciliation program for the next few days will be led by the local schools at SD52, Annunciation and Coast Mountain College, that as the community prepares for the Saturday observation.  

There are other activities planned in Prince Rupert, with the City of Prince Rupert providing a helpful guide towards some of them yesterday, that through a social media post.

Other than the information relay underway, whether the City of Prince Rupert has plans for an official recognition program of its own towards Truth and Reconciliation Day has yet to be outlined by civic officials. 

Some background on a few of the events that are highlighted above, can be reviewed below:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has an extensive library of information towards the Residential School topic and updates on the initiatives underway.  

The Calls of Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be reviewed here.

We can learn more locally from a number of resources, including School District 52's Indigenous Education Department, Museum of Northern BC and the Prince Rupert Library.

Truth and Reconciliation Day is also being observed in Lax Kw'alaams with their plans for the community noted below:

As more updates on events for the week come forward, we will add to our listings above. 

More Community Note themes can be explored from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.