The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to learn, listen and reflect. It is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, acknowledge the enduring pain and trauma experienced by Survivors of the residential school system, and to reaffirm that Every Child Matters.
On Sept. 30 we encourage Abbotsford residents to join in marking this important occasion by donning an orange T-shirt and attending the third annual Stetís ímexstowx gathering in the Civic Precinct. “Stetís ímexstowx” is Halq’eméylem for “walk beside us,” acknowledging the fact that progress on Truth and Reconciliation requires all Canadians to embark on the pathway of learning and work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Together we must create a future where the harms of the past are never repeated, and where all children and families can thrive.
Knowledge sharing and learning is what Stetís ímexstowx is all about, and the interactive activities, performances and storytelling planned for the day are intended to help broaden understandings of past harms and focus on a positive future for all.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. stations will be set up in and around Thunderbird Square and the Civic Plaza, The Reach Museum Gallery, the Abbotsford School District building, Clearbrook Library, Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, and Abbotsford Fire Rescue Station No. 1.
For more information and a full list and schedule, visit the Stetís ímexstowx website.
As a City Council we are fortunate to be able to work regularly in partnership with local First Nation governments to address regional issues that we face together. We recognize and value the strong connections we’ve built, and we honour the knowledge First Nations bring to our relationship as the original stewards of the land.
We’re grateful to all the participating culture bearers and knowledge keepers for choosing to share their stories, traditions and cultural practices with us. It is our sincere hope that through these experiences we can all continue to walk forward together, side by side with compassion, respect, and a renewed commitment to truth and lasting reconciliation.
We’re also thankful to all the groups that have come together to make Stetís ímexstowx possible. This is a collaboration between the Abbotsford Arts Council, Abbotsford Children’s Theatre, Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, Abbotsford Police Department, Abbotsford School District, City of Abbotsford, Clearbrook Library, Heritage Abbotsford, Literacy Matters Abbotsford, Máthxwi First Nation, the Reach Gallery Museum, Semá:th First Nation, Tourism Abbotsford, and the University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre.
Seeing so many organizations come together in support of Truth and Reconciliation is proof of how important this day is for all of us, and it serves as a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to build a truly just and equitable society for all.
As a City Council, we acknowledge that true reconciliation does not happen through a single day or gathering. It is a continuous journey that requires ongoing effort, accountability, and a genuine commitment to healing. We must all continue to walk forward together, with compassion, respect and dedication to truth and lasting reconciliation.
Abbotsford City Council