Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day dedicated to honouring the lost children and survivors of the residential “school” system, as well as recognizing the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous communities. 

On Tuesday, September 30, Parkgate, Lynn Valley, and Capilano Libraries will be open from 10:00am – 6:00pm as spaces for learning and reflection. We invite you to take this day to reflect on the history and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, and to explore ways you can support the 94 Calls to Action. 

Upcoming Events at NVDPL:

Film Screening: Wilfred Buck Lynn Valley Library | Tuesday, September 23 at 1:30pm Lynn Valley Library | Wednesday, September 24 at 6:00pm Learn more and register.

Join us as we watch Wilfred Buck! This hybrid feature documentary follows the extraordinary life of Wilfred Buck, a charismatic and irreverent Cree Elder who overcame a harrowing yet familiar history of displacement, racism and addiction by reclaiming ancestral star knowledge and ceremony. He’s from the “fresh-out-of-the-bush, partly civilized, colonized, displaced people,” and he’s here to take us to the stars. Lisa Jackson’s portrait of Cree Elder Wilfred Buck moves between earth and sky, past and present, bringing to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations. This screening is available thanks to the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). Learn more.

Other Upcoming Events:

Lunch and Learns with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Online | September 22 – 26, 2025

Learn more.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation invites you to join our daily Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

Lunch and Learn sessions are designed for an adult audience and are open to the public. They will be hosted virtually on Zoom Webinar and streamed live on YouTube. Expert matter speakers will present for 40-50 minutes, followed by a Q&A session between the moderator and the guest(s). All sessions will have simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation.

Truth and Reconciliation Week daily Lunch and Learn webinars are presented with the gracious support of Enbridge and the Canadian Public Health Association.

See below for recommended resources. 

Recommendations For Adults 

• Indigenous Non-Fiction 

• Indigenous Films 

• Indigenous Book Club Sets 

• Indigenous Fiction for Adults 
  

Recommendations for Teens 

• Teen Indigenous Representation 

Recommendations for Kids 

• Kids' Books: Impact of Residential Schools

• Indigenous Authors - Picturebooks 

• Indigenous Authors In Our French Collection 

• Indigenous Authors - Fiction Grades 3-7 

Learning Kits & Games: 

Borrow a Caring Community Kit centred on Indigenous voices and experiences. Each kit includes books and educational activities designed to enhance understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and creators. 

NVDPL also offers Puppet Kits featuring Indigenous titles for children, including “Otter Doesn’t Know” by Andrea Fritz, “Gifts from Raven” by Kung Jaadee, and “Amik” by Sharon King, among others. At any NVDPL branch, patrons can explore puzzles featuring Indigenous artwork or borrow a copy of the Walking in Good Relations board game. And coming soon: Coast Salish Storytime Kits! 

Our libraries are located on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations. Their ancestors have lived here for countless generations. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect community, share knowledge and inspire stories on unceded Coast Salish Territory.