Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 honours the Indigenous victims and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. TWU joins with people across Canada in public commemoration of the painful history and ongoing impact of residential schools by hosting a Day of Learning, on Sept. 25, 2026.

As a Christian university, Trinity Western is committed to reconciliation. The Day of Learning provides an opportunity to listen to and learn from Indigenous peoples, histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives in ways that foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and contribute to reconciliation. Speakers share from their own experiences and perspectives, which may not always reflect the beliefs and commitments of the University.

9 a.m. | Opening the Circle | David E. Enarson Gymnasium

We begin the day together at 9 a.m. with an Opening the Circle to start the day with Stó:lō protocol and ceremony.

1–3 p.m. | Learning Activities | Langley campus various locations
Workshops and learning opportunities will be available in the afternoon 1–3 p.m. throughout the Langley campus. See below for workshop details and locations. Activities run concurrently, commencing at 1 p.m.

Oral Tradition

Indigenous peoples have long passed on knowledge from generation to generation through oral traditions, including storytelling. Storytelling is a traditional method used to teach about cultural beliefs, values, customs, rituals, history, practices, relationships, and ways of life. It is a foundation for holistic learning, relationship building, and experiential learning. Join the sharing circle as Elders and Knowledge Keepers share their stories.

Blanket Exercise

Using Indigenous methodologies, the goal is to build understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land, and into the role of First Peoples. Please bring a blanket with you.

Dialogue: Reconciliation through Art

An opportunity to explore the evolving role and interpretation of Indigenous art within Canadian public spaces. It has the capacity to foster dialogue, challenge colonial narratives, and promote understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The dialogue will provide insights into how public art can serve as a critical tool in the ongoing process of reconciliation, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards meaningful engagement and decolonization.

Movie SugarCane

After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation, and abuse many children experienced at residential schools was brought to light in 2021 with evidence of unmarked graves on the grounds. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, SUGARCANE illuminates the beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to persevere.

Movie WaaPaKe

For generations, the suffering of residential school survivors has radiated outward, impacting Indigenous families and communities. Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin’s deeply personal documentary WaaPaKe (Tomorrow) moves beyond intergenerational trauma, with an invitation to unravel the tangled threads of silence and unite in collective freedom and power.

Talk: Indigenous Language Revitalization

By embracing and safeguarding Indigenous languages, the stories, traditions, and wisdom are kept alive for future generations. Come learn about the many Indigenous languages spoken in B.C. and across Canada. Hear the linguistic journey of Halq’eméylem, learn some phrases, and listen to the stories of how communities are working to document and renew their heritage languages.

On the Land Walking Tour

The land is a gift from Chichel Siyá:m (Creator God) and holds the stories, songs, and prayers of the Stó:lō peoples. The land is rich in plants and medicines. Listen to an Indigenous Knowledge Keeper teach about Xpá:y and take a walk in the Ecosystem Study Area to find the wealth and health provided by the land.

Arts Dialogue on Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls

The report reveals that persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind the staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGB+ people. Arts-based educational strategies create space and place for diverse groups to dialogue and explore how to engage with and respond to MMIWG.

Talk: Indigenous Cultural Identity

Identity is central to Indigenous culture, providing a sense of belonging, continuity, and resilience through connections to ancestry, community, language, traditions, and the land. Hear the story of the journey of cultural identity erasure and reintegration through Christ.

Talk: "Letse’mot & Letse’thale" - One Heart & One Mind

Reconciliation can be described as learning to walk in a good way, with a good heart and good mind. Hear some teachings from a Stól:ō leader of the importance of relationships, faith, and the intentional purposeful pursuit of truth and reconciliation.

Talk: Know Your History & Ancestors

For Indigenous Peoples, their culture is the essence of who they are, who they belong to, where they come from, and how they relate to one another. Culture is the accumulated teachings of ancestors. It is the basis of traditions, customs, protocols, values, spirituality, ceremonies, language, ways of knowing and being, and connections to the land.

Talk: Indigenous Stories Matter

Reflections and conversations about the importance of Indigenous literatures; the value of storytelling (both written and oral) for increasing our ethical and moral response to injustice, oppression, and racism; and the significance of including Indigenous Ways of Knowing in our learning.

3:15 p.m. | Closing the Circle | David E. Enarson Gymnasium

Following the afternoon of learning activities, once again, we will gather together in the gym at 3:15 p.m., ending the day with Stó:lō protocol.

Contact the host of Day of Learning 2026