West Vancouver, B.C.— Community members are invited to participate in special programming offered by West Vancouver Memorial Library around National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. WVML librarians have also curated a comprehensive list of reading and resources to mark the day on September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Hours
On Saturday, September 30, the Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for public education. This reflects one of the Library’s ongoing commitments to honouring reconciliation and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Events
All adults, teens, and kids are invited to participate in four different programs designed to foster an environment of exploration, learning, and reconciliation within the community.
Adult programs
Reading Circle – The Fire Still Burns: Life In and After Residential School by Sam George
Sunday, September 17, 3 – 4 p.m.
Attend a facilitated book discussion about The Fire Still Burns: Life In and After Residential School. This event will take place in Welsh Hall and offers a chance to discuss this very personal memoir, the legacy of Residential Schools, and pathways to reconciliation.
The Fire Still Burns: An Evening with Squamish Elder Sam George
Wednesday, September 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Listen to Squamish Elder Sam George speak about his memoir The Fire Still Burns: Life In and After Residential School, which explores the horrors of a childhood in the Indian Residential School system and the long-term effects on survivors. This event is at the North Vancouver District Public Library’s Lynn Valley branch and is a partnership with all three North Shore libraries.
Youth programs
Storytelling, Songs, and Crafts with Lisa Lewis
Monday, October 2, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join Squamish Nation author Lisa Lewis at the Library as she reads her book Tsunaxen’s Journey and teaches traditional songs and crafts to children ages five to nine.
Truth and Reconciliation Teen Reading Circle
Thursday, October 5, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
This reading circle allows teens to engage in meaningful conversations and gain new insights from Sam George’s memoir, The Fire Still Burns: Life In and After Residential School.
Reading and watching
- Borrow the books being discussed at the events, peruse our reconciliation book display at the Library, and reserve other relevant books for your next book club
- Browse our Honouring Truth and Reconciliation booklist
- Browse our Indigenous Fiction booklist
- Check out an Indigenous Film on DVD
- Check out our recommended reading lists for Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3 – 5, and Grades 6 – 12
- Read an ebook or listen to an audiobook from this Indigenous Authors OverDrive list or this Indigenous Authors for Kids + Teens OverDrive list
Resources and more
- Browse our Residential Schools in Canada recommended resources
- Check out our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recommended resource page
- Browse our Indigenous Peoples in Canada recommended resources
- Borrow a copy of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada