As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on September 30, the West Vancouver Memorial Library invites you to attend programs and explore resources dedicated to education and action.
This year, we’re excited to launch our new Sḵw’shítsut/Sḵw’shétsut Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Storytime Kits! Developed in collaboration with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim speaker Tsitsáyx̱emaat Rebecca Duncan, the kits contain a book, felt stories, songs, and audio components to support the learning and revitalization of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. Funding for these kits came from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation.
Library Hours
On Tuesday, September 30, the Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for public education. This reflects our commitment to reconciliation, answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Programs
Movie Matinée: Beans
Saturday, September 13, 2 – 4 p.m.
Twelve-year-old Beans is on the edge: torn between innocent childhood and reckless adolescence; forced to grow up fast and become the tough Mohawk warrior she needs to be during the Oka Crisis, the turbulent Indigenous uprising that tore Quebec and Canada apart for 78 tense days in the summer of 1990.
Reconciliation Reading Circle: True Reconciliation
Sunday, September 14, 3 – 4:15 p.m.
We invite you to join our Reconciliation Reading Circles, where we explore Indigenous literature, both fiction and non-fiction, to broaden our understanding of reconciliation. This month we will discuss Jody Wilson-Raybould’s True Reconciliation: How to Be A Force for Change.
Sḵw’shítsut/Sḵw’shétsut Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Storytime Kit Launch
Wednesday, September 24, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language speaker and knowledge keeper Tsitsáyx̱emaat Rebecca Duncan for a morning of storytelling and songs. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh author Xwemilut Lisa Lewis will read her book Iyá7yulh Tl’a Tsuńax̲en/ Tsunaxen’s Journey. There will be bannock and prizes!
Big Ideas: Chief Dr. Janice George in Conversation with Curator Pantea Haghighi
Friday, September 26, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Curator Pantea Haghighi of the West Vancouver Art Museum sits down with Coast Salish weaver and educator Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Dr. Janice George to discuss how traditional weaving serves as a living practice of cultural preservation, healing, and intergenerational knowledge.
Storytelling, Songs, and Crafts with Lisa Lewis | Ages 5-9
Saturday, September 27, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join Lisa Lewis, a Squamish Nation author, as she reads her book Tsunaxen’s Journey and teaches traditional Squamish songs and crafts.
Movie Matinée: The Grizzlies
Saturday, September 27, 2 – 4 p.m.
Lacrosse transforms the lives of Inuit students when they learn how to play the game.
Movie Matinée: SUGARCANE
Tuesday, September 30, 2 – 4 p.m.
A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, SUGARCANE is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning.
In addition to these programs, the Library encourages patrons to explore curated booklists and resources on reconciliation:
Reading and watching
- Browse our Honouring Truth and Reconciliation booklist
- Borrow an ebook or audiobook for adults: Overdrive list
- Check out an Indigenous Film on DVD
- For kids and teens, browse our Truth and Reconciliation booklist or borrow an ebook or audiobook from this Indigenous Authors for Kids + Teens OverDrive list
Resources and more
- Borrow a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Language Kit
- Borrow Walking in Good Relations: A Sínulkhay & Ladders Game for Unlearning Anti-Indigenous Racism
- Check out our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recommended resources and find other events in the community
- Browse our Reconciliation recommended resources
- Browse our Residential Schools in Canada’s recommended resources
- Browse our Indigenous Peoples in Canada recommended resources
- Borrow a copy of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada