As Canada reckons with the lasting impacts of residential schools on its Indigenous population, a Tri-Cities organization is hoping some personal stories can lead to some form of reconciliation.
Coquitlam Heritage is set to host a free in-person three-part series starting this month that aims to support community action via the voices of residential school survivors themselves.
The non-profits believes by "accepting truth" and learning from local First Nations members in an intimate setting, it can be a critical step toward reconciliation.
"Colonial heritage has left many scars on our collective knowledge and history," reads an event description for Indigenous Voices on Coquitlam Heritage's website.
"The impacts on our past, present, and future are complex, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed."
In each of the three 90-minute sessions, stories are set to be shared and hope to foster understanding in the Tri-City community.
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is scheduled to facilitate the first presentation next Thursday (Nov. 18), alongside Resilence BC and the Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership.
It will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 137 at the Coquitlam Public Library's City Centre branch.
Registration is required.
For more information, you're encouraged to visit Coquitlam Heritage's website.
