Community unites for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 22, 2026 3:43 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo invites residents to come together on Wednesday, Sept. 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The theme for this event is "Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation."

The day will offer opportunities for community members of all ages to gather, reflect and connect through recreation, wellness and community activities.

A central part of the day will take place at Deverill Square Park (located at 200 Irwin Street) beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a Traditional Blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good with words to honour those lost and those who survived the impacts of Residential Schools. It will also include the unveiling of commemorative artwork by Snuneymuxw artist, Noel Brown.

Following the unveiling, free community activities will continue at the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with sport-themed inflatables, field games, kinder-friendly toys and activities, interactive community stations and food trucks.

All activities are free, including swimming and weight room access at Beban Pool and skating at Frank Crane Arena from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

T-shirts featuring artwork by Noel Brown will also be available for purchase for $14 while supplies last at recreation centres, including at Beban Park during the swims and skates occuring on Sept. 30.

The theme, "Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation", recognizes the role that connection, movement and community can play in supporting individual and collective well-being while creating space for learning, reflection and reconciliation.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the activities that are meaningful to them and come together as a community on this important day.

For more information: Visit the City of Nanaimo’s Special Events with Parks, Recreation and Culture webpage [https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/special-events-with-parks--recreation-and-culture.]

Link to Strategic Plan: Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation directly connects to City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined. City Plan provides direction on Truth and Reconciliation, health and wellness, diversity, accessibility and inclusion.

Key Points

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Deverill Square Park (200 Irwin Street) and also includes free swimming and skating at Beban Park.
A Traditional Blessing by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good and unveiling of artwork by Snuneymuxw Elder Lolly Good artist, Noel Brown, will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Deverill Square Park.
The day will offer opportunities for community members of all ages to gather, reflect and connect through recreation, wellness and community activities.

Quotes

"National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity for us to come together as a community to reflect, learn and strengthen our relationships with one another. Nanaimo's event aims to create space for people of all ages to connect through art, recreation and shared experiences while continuing our collective journey toward reconciliation."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was first observed as a federal statutory holiday in 2021 in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The day honours residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and ensures the history and legacy of residential schools remain part of the public commemoration process.
The orange shirt has become a symbol of the impacts of the residential school system representing the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by many Indigenous children and reinforcing the message that “Every Child Matters.”