Monday, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day for all Canadians to honour Indigenous children who never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities forever impacted. As we reflect on this painful history and its lasting effects, we are reminded that acknowledging the truth and supporting healing is essential not just today, but every day. At the RCA, we are committed to fostering an environment that uplifts Indigenous culture and artists. Through Indigenous art exhibits, festivals, reading circles, etc., we proudly showcase events that amplify Indigenous voices, and we understand importance of actively listening and contributing to the understanding of Indigenous perspectives.  

 

The Indigenous Resilience Festival at the RCA, March 2023. Photograph by Billie Jean Gabriel Photography.  

There are many ways you can take part in listening and learning throughout our community. Discover events around the Okanagan and resources centred around Indigenous history below.  

Events: 

Reading Circle - Executive Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future – September 17 - January 21, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM  

City of Kelowna’s Cultural Services will host a Reading Circle on the Executive Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. Over a 5-month period from September 17 to January 21, you can take part in examining the Executive Summary and meet monthly for discussion. Lunch and a copy of the Executive Summary book are provided.  Click here to register. 

West Kelowna Library Webinars – September 23 - 27 

The West Kelowna Library will be hosting a series of webinars with the support of the National Truth and Reconciliation Center. There will be discussion after with local Indigenous and Metis leadership. Sign up for one or any combination of them. Find more information on each session below:  

• Monday, September 23: Health Related Impacts of the Residential School System  

• Tuesday, September 24: Ally and Bias  

• Wednesday, September 25: Movies and Munchies  

• Thursday, September 26: UNDRIP  

• Friday, September 27: How Do We Address the Barriers to Reconciliation?  

nsyilxcen: The Journey Continues – Tuesday, September 24, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM 

Deepen your nsyilxcen language skills and expand your understanding of Syilx culture through a series of interactive classes with Kelowna Museums. Designed for those with a beginner's knowledge of nsyilxcen, this course encourages students to connect with one another and their instructor as they continue their language journey. Offered in partnership with Wildrose Native Traditions, the class is open to all, regardless of heritage.  

More information and tickets here. 

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society Event – Friday, September 27, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

At the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, join in their annual march on Leon Avenue followed by speeches and presentations. Be sure to wear orange and bring your drums! Plus, enjoy stew and Bannock for a delicious lunch. 

x̌spuʔus sckʷul - Works of HeART – Monday, September 30, doors open at 10:00 AM  

Join the Sncewips Heritage Museum for a stunning art exhibition honouring the survivors of residential schools, day schools, and the Sixties Scoop. This exhibition is held in an effort to raise awareness, foster community, and support healing across generations. The art invites reflection on the colonial injustices of the past, recognition of the present, and a commitment to building a future rooted in reconciliation. 

Find more information here. 

Metis Community Services Society of BC National Day for Truth – Monday, September 30, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM  

On September 30, gather at the Mamawapowin Métis Early Years Centre to observe National Day of Truth with Metis Community Services - deepen your understanding of this history in a day full of drumming, guest speakers, honoring elders, and a sashing ceremony focused on cultural revitalization.  

Click here for tickets.   

Metis Community Services Society of BC’s Screening of the Documentary “Because She's Adopted” - Monday, September 30, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM. 

Trigger Warning: The content of this documentary includes discussions of colonial violence, 60’s Scoop, and trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. Must be 14 years of age to attend.   

Don't miss guest speaker Kristal Parke, an inspiring Cree filmmaker, producer, and podcast host, as she showcases her documentary, Because She’s Adopted. After her talk, join us for a screening of this powerful film, which explores Kristal's personal journey and the wider experiences of Indigenous children adopted into non-Indigenous families during the Sixties Scoop. 

Register here. Screening is at 1580 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna.

nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour – Saturday, October 5, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Take a guided walk from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers as they share their expertise on traditional plant use. The Okanagan's rich biodiversity provides the syilx/Okanagan people with deep knowledge of plants used for food, medicine, shelter, and even natural deodorant! Lace up your walking shoes and join us for this ever-popular outdoor experience. 

Free tickets are available for members of Indigenous nations. Register here. 

Resources: 

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World  

Well-known Indigenous scientist and author, Robin Wall Kimmerer, has written a new book called The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World. How, asks Robin, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most?  

Available in November 2024. Pre-order now and discover more of her works here. 

Territorial Acknowledgements: Going Beyond the Script  

Find a thought-provoking 13-minutes video from the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta exploring why we acknowledge Indigenous territory and what to consider when crafting a land acknowledgement 

Video: Territorial Acknowledgements: Going Beyond the Script  

The Outdoor Learning School & Store 

The Outdoor Learning School & Store is an online charitable social enterprise that offers online courses and resources for a range of settings and ages. You can check out there 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning, an online learning workshop running from October to May annually. 

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We encourage our community to take part in some of these events and take time to learn, experience, and reflect. Find more recourses from The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation here. 

The Rotary Centre for the Arts respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People.