MISSION, BC—The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are important opportunities to honour and acknowledge the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
The City of Mission is committed to supporting truth and reconciliation and renewing relationships with Indigenous Peoples based on respect and partnership, as well as advancing its Principles of Reconciliation.
Flags across the city are currently lowered to honour and grieve the missing children of St. Mary’s. Read our reflection after the the Xyólhmet ye Syéwiqwélh (Taking Care of Our Children) team’s Phase 1 knowledge sharing on September 21. City social media icons have also been updated to orange.
We encourage everyone to take some time to learn about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Here are a few local events and resources to get you started.
Mayor’s Message on Behalf of Council
Learning Opportunities
Attend an Event
Bone of Crows Film Screening
The City of Mission is presenting a free community screening of the acclaimed 2022 film Bones of Crows (Rated 14A). Everyone is welcome and attendance is free.
“Bones of Crows is a cinematic response to our lived history in Canada, where the reign of terror against Indigenous Peoples included starvation, disease warfare, sterilization, residential schools and pedophilia, paving a highway for the Sixties Scoop, Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, poverty, the incarceration of Indigenous Peoples, environmental crisis and the foster care system. This story is committed to telling the hard truths and challenging a singular vision of history to create change.” -Filmmaker Marie Clements
Location: Clarke Theatre
Date & Time: September 29 @ 7:30pm
Mission Friendship Centre Recognition and Honouring Event
Location: 33150 A First Avenue, Mission, BC V2V 1G4
Date & Time: September 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Learn about the Territory
The City of Mission gratefully acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded, ancestral, and shared territory of the Stó:lō Peoples, who have occupied these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mission is located on Leq’á:mel, Semá:th, Kwantlen, Sq’éwlets, Máthexwi, and Katzie traditional territories.
The traditional language spoken by Stó:lō is Halq’eméylem. Learn more about the First Nations whose territory Mission is located by visiting their websites:
Read a Book by an Indigenous Author
Our friends at the Fraser Valley Regional Library have assembled a great list of books and resources by Indigenous authors. There is something for all ages. Take a look.
Wear Orange
Wear Orange on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day and learn about the meaning behind the event.
Watch Indigenous Cinema
A library of Indigenous Cinema is available for streaming on the National Film Board of Canada website.
Facility and Service Information
Saturday, Sept. 30, the Leisure Centre will be operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Classes and programs will not run.
On Monday, Oct. 2, please take note of the following facility closures and service impacts.
Leisure Centre Hours
The Leisure Centre will be operating at normal hours.
Facility Closures
City Hall, Welton Common, Visitor Information Centre, and Fire Station #1 will be closed.
Curbside Collection
Monday collection will occur as scheduled.
Contact
communications@mission.ca