Since 2021, we have been hosting a meaningful day of reflection and education on September 30th, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For Arts Umbrella, this is an opportunity to learn and reflect on the history of the land we now call Canada, honour survivors of the residential school system, their families, and communities, remember the children that didn’t make it home, and explore how we can continue meaningful discussions on anti-racism and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. As educators, we have a responsibility to share with our students and families the importance of this day. We invite you to join us on Monday, September 30th from 9:00AM at our Granville Island location. Activities and talks will be age-appropriate and led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers.

Each event as listed below is Pay-What-You-Can, with a suggested donation of $5 for each event. All proceeds from this day go to the Urban Native Youth Association and All My Relations Indigenous Society to support their work with local Indigenous youth.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Umbrella is supported by Strand.

We hope that you will join us to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation together.

REGISTER

Program of Events:

Welcome Breakfast
9:00AM-10:15AM

Arts Umbrella will be hosting a Welcome Breakfast to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a time for our community to come together to connect and reflect. James and Rick Harry will be providing a special opening for the day and there will be Bannock boards provided by Tawnshi, featuring a fusion of Indigenous flavours and ingredients to enjoy.

A suggested donation of $5 is encouraged.

Children’s Book Reading with Joseph A. Dandurand
10:30-11:15AM

Arts Umbrella invites you to join poet and author Joseph A. Dandurand for a reading of two of his children’s books, The Girl Who Loved the Birds and The Bears and the Magic Masks.

Director of the Kwantlen Cultural Center, Joseph A. Dandurand brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as a storyteller. A member of Kwantlen First Nation located on the Fraser River, Dandurand has been a storyteller since he was a young man. His talent and passion for words and sharing stories has followed him through the many journeys of his life.

Suggested donation of $5. Recommended Audience: Ages 5+. Children must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Family Art Project with Charlene Vickers
11:30AM-12:45PM

Join Vancouver based, Anishinaabe artist, Charlene Vickers, for a family art project. Charlene will lead children and caregivers in an interactive art project that they can bring home with them to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Charlene’s works explore memory, healing and embodied connections to ancestral lands.

Attendees must reserve one ticket for every person in their group who will be attending the Art Project. Number of spaces limited.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS Orange Shirts
ON SALE NOW!

Like previous years we have a special orange t-shirt for sale, designed by Indigenous artist and Arts Umbrella Board member James Harry (Nexw’Kalus). All proceeds go to the Urban Native Youth Association and All My Relations Indigenous Society to benefit their work with local Indigenous youth. A limited quantity of the shirts are available. While supplies last. Available online only.

T-shirts will be available for pick-up at the Arts Umbrella Granville Island Student Services desk between Tuesday, September 17 and Monday, September 30. Please have your receipt ready to show staff upon arrival.

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