Local Journalism Initiative
Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative, The Northern View
Various groups in Prince Rupert have curated thoughtful community events to commemorate Sept. 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Sept. 23
The Prince Rupert Community Arts Council is screening an Indigenous-made movie called Fancy Dance at the Cineplex theatre. This film is about Jax, who, after her sister goes missing, is trying to keep custody of her niece Roki on their reserve in Oklahoma. To keep her family together, Jax takes Roki on a road trip to a powwow in Oklahoma City, hoping to find her sister.
Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society, All Nations Lax Kxeen, and other organizations are hosting a workshop called “Our Culture” at the Nisga’a Hall.
They are encouraging residential school survivors and supporters to attend. The session includes an introduction to the arts, regalia history, the basics of gathering cedar/spruce roots, and the basics of plant types. Participants will also make traditional Devil’s Club necklaces together.
The City of Prince Rupert is also conducting a one-day Indigenous Cultural Safety Training program with employers and social service providers on this day.
Sept. 26
The Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce is organizing a chamber luncheon at the Nisga’a Hall to share insights from the Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society (GNS).
They are serving food and announcing the society’s recent initiatives and plans. They will also introduce GNS’s new executive director.
The federal holiday builds on Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement honouring Phyllis Webstad’s story of having her orange shirt taken away on her first day at a residential school in 2013, symbolizing the stripping away of Indigenous identities.
Sept. 28
The North Pacific Cannery is putting together a First Nations-themed dinner.
This limited-seating event is an opportunity to indulge in authentic indigenous cuisine and learn about the communities that helped shape the cannery’s history.
Sept. 30
The Friendship House has planned its annual Truth and Reconciliation Walk at the Prince Rupert Middle School.
Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., they are inviting members of the public to join their honourary march around the track.
The society will have set up tents with water bottles and supplies and hand out t-shirts. As usual, they will record statistics of the number of attendees.
Gitmaxmak’ay Nisga’a Society’s final event at Nisga’a Hall will begin at 3 p.m., right after the walk.
They will conduct a blessing by cedar brushing ceremony and offer gifts to survivors of residential schools. An information desk will provide support services to vulnerable people in the community.
The evening will lead to drumming and singing, with the highlight being performances by dancing groups from different Nations.
