The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville will recognize the first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, in alignment with the provincial and federal governments.
The Parksville and Qualicum Beach civic offices will be closed and flags will fly at half-mast. RDN offices and recreation facilities will also be closed and flags will fly at half-mast.
“Formally recognizing this important day is in response to one of the 94 Truth and Reconciliation calls to action,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chair. “It is essential that we make ongoing space to honour residential school survivors and their communities and do our part as citizens, friends, neighbours and governments to collectively come to terms with truths about our country and advance reconciliation.”
The Town of Qualicum Beach has invited residents to share their expressions of acknowledgment, condolences, and messages of hope and kindness, to the survivors, families, communities and others affected by the residential school system. The town will bind and display these messages in the town hall foyer for people to read and share, discuss and understand. Messages can be emailed to qbtown@qualicumbeach.com with the subject ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ or delivered to town hall.
“Truth and Reconciliation is about taking steps toward healing and forgiveness. It’s about moving forward. We can only do that if we first acknowledge and understand the truth,” said Brian Weise, Qualicum Beach mayor.
The RDN transit system will operate at a full weekday level of service. The regional landfill and Church Road Transfer Station will be open for regular hours and curbside collection services will be provided as scheduled.
The National Residential School Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
