Community Comes Together for Truth and Reconciliation at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park

A wonderful community turnout filled Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park in Prince George on September 30, 2026, as people gathered for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirts, autumn sunshine and generations coming together offered a moving expression of solidarity with residential school Survivors, their families and communities, and remembrance of the children who never returned home.

PGUAJS Elders Carol Ryan and Sylvia Desrocher attended the gathering, joining neighbours, families and community partners in a day of listening, reflection and connection. We are grateful for their presence and for the care and wisdom our Elders bring to our community.

The programme offered a guided reconciliation walk and a community reading of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action beginning at noon. The afternoon ceremony was planned around a Drum-In for Survivors, reflection, the voices of residential school Survivors, Sixties Scoop Survivors and youth, and celebrations of Indigenous culture through song and dance.

The gathering also included remarks from Elder Darlene McIntosh of the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, UNBC’s Chancellor. The opportunity to listen to Elders and community voices is an important part of making space for truth, understanding and continued learning.

It was heartening to see so many people make time to be present. The turnout was a reminder that reconciliation takes participation: listening to Survivors, learning the history and its continuing impacts, and carrying that responsibility into our relationships and everyday work.

PGUAJS extends our thanks to the Lheidli T’enneh Nation, the organisers, Elders, Survivors, speakers, volunteers and everyone who helped make space for this gathering. We honour the strength of Indigenous families and communities, and the shared responsibility to build a future in which every child is valued, supported and safe.

Every Child Matters. Today and every day.

Photographs: Jason Kelly.

Event programme: Lheidli T’enneh Nation — https://www.lheidli.ca/%F0%9F%A7%A1-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2026-%F0%9F%A7%A1/

Chancellor information: University of Northern British Columbia — https://www.unbc.ca/university-secretary/chancellor