September 28, 2026: Islands Trust Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis
September 2 8 , 2026 – for immediate release 202 6 - 1 1 - IT
Islands Trust Statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This statement discusses residential schools, and some readers may find the content distressing. Support is
available 24 hours a day through the Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line at 1 - 866 - 925 - 4419 or
through the KUU - US Crisis Line at 1 - 800 - 588 - 8717.
Lə k ̓ ʷ əŋə n, METULIYE/ Victoria , BC – On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Islands Trust
remembers the children who were taken from their families and communities and never returned home. Islands
Trust also recognizes the strength and resilience of Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, their families , and
communities.
Denying or minimizing the realities and harms of residential schools caus es further harm to Survivors , families , and
communities , and has no place in r econciliation. These truths have been shared by Survivors, often at great
personal cost, and documented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Islands Trust is committed
to listening, learning, addressing denialism, and supporting First Nations - led efforts in truth, r econciliation and
justice.
“ Reconciliation begins with truth. It is vital we remember the children who never came home and honour the
Survivors and families who have carried these truths for generations. Islands Trust is committed to listening,
learning and acting on what we hear, including speaking up when these truths are denie d, ” said Laura Patrick,
Islands Trust Council Chair . “ We are also committed to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism through our
work and to build ing respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations.”
Islands Trust encourages residents and visitors to take time to reflect, listen to S urvivors, challenge denialism, and
learn more about the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools through the National Centre for Truth and
Reconciliation . Many First Nations and community organizations host commemorative events on September 30 .
Islands Trust encourages people to wear orange and , where invited, attend community events with open ears and
hearts .
Every Child Matters.
– 30 –
Islands Trust is a special - purpose government representing over 30,000 people living within the Islands Trust Area
and 10,000 non - resident property owners. The Islands Trust Area is located within Coast Salish territory and is the
homeland to many Coast Sa lish Peoples who have called this place home since time immemorial. Islands Trust is
responsible for preserving and protecting the Islands Trust Area and its unique amenities and environment through
conservation - oriented land use planning and regulation, e ducation, and cooperation with First Nations and other
agencies. The Islands Trust Area covers 

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