City of Nanaimo marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 25, 2023 12:30 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 with a free public event focused on community well-being.

Wellness Unites: a Community Event for Health and Reconciliation is a day of connection, activity and community engagement at three separate locations – Oliver Woods Community Centre, the Nanaimo Ice Centre and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is designed to honour survivors of residential schools while addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action that speak to the critical importance of sport, health and well-being in the reconciliation process.

For the past two years, the City, along with Snuneymuxw First Nation and Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools partnered in the planning and hosting of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event for the community to attend. This year, the City respectfully recognizes that the school district is hosting a separate, private event on Saturday, Sept. 30 to celebrate a new welcome pole created by Snuneymuxw artist, Noel Brown. The City wishes them much success with their event and invite all attendees at that event to join Wellness Unites: a Community Event for Health and Reconciliation later in the day.

Event Details:

• Free activities at Oliver Woods Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food trucks onsite) including gymnasium sports and games, family play room, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, interactive booths and a Hul’q’umi’num’ StoryWalk.
• Free Everyone Welcome skating and Stick ‘n’ Puck sessions at the Nanaimo Ice Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (concession open).
• Free swimming & weight room entry at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (food trucks onsite). Session limits are in effect for the pool.

Orange shirts will be available for purchase at all locations while supplies last.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action have provided a roadmap for Canada to address the painful legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation. Among these calls is the establishment of a statutory holiday “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” Other Calls to Action emphasize the importance of promoting physical and mental well-being within Indigenous communities. Wellness Unites: a Community Event for Health and Reconciliation embraces these principles by featuring a variety of free activities for individuals and families to participate in throughout the day.

The City of Nanaimo looks forward to engaging in the reconciliation process on Sept. 30 while honoring the strength and resilience of survivors and their families. All members of the community are invited to take part.

Link to Strategic Plan: City Plan: Nanaimo ReImagined. Section C4.1 - Truth and Reconciliation

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