September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day for all Canadians to learn more about and reflect on the history and legacy of the Indian residential school system.
Learning the true history
We have a responsibility to learn and share the true history of what happened at residential schools and the ongoing, intergenerational trauma they caused.
Below is a list of recommended reading that shares the painful experiences faced by children, families, and their communities, and honour the resilience, dignity, and strength of survivors, while recognizing the intergenerational trauma that still impacts Indigenous communities today.
Honouring the truth, reconciling for the future
How do we create a future that respects, values, and celebrates Indigenous human rights, self-determination, languages, laws, cultures, and traditions?
The first step is to learn the truth about the atrocities of our past, to understand how the impacts of colonialism, erasure of Indigenous peoples, and systemic racism continue to be experienced today, and to turn that knowledge into meaningful action.
Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on September 30
The Library is closed on Saturday, September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
We encourage library patrons to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) on September 30 to listen, learn, and reflect.
Admission is free thanks to their Proud Partner CIBC.
The day will be filled with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl – the living culture of the original people of the shared territory where Whistler resides.
Hear guest speakers, experience Spo7ez cultural sharing, carving demonstration, and immersive crafts, enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine, and explore handcrafted art and keepsakes in the Gallery and Gift Shop.
Visit the SLCC website for a full line up of programming for September 30.
Local Indigenous history
If you are unable to visit the SLCC, we would encourage you to watch the Indigenous Peoples installment of the Whistler 101 series to learn about the history, language, and culture of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Featuring SLCC Curator, Mixalhítsa7, Alison Pascal.
