Comox Valley’s Local Governments to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a time for all residents of the Comox Valley to reflect on the history and traumatic legacy of residential schools in Canada, including seven schools that were located on Vancouver Island.

To support the Comox Valley community in acknowledging this day together, the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) will be closing community facilities and Administration offices on September 30 and/or October 2 in observance.

Closed on September 30, 2023:

• Comox Community Centre 
• Comox Valley Sports Centre
• Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
• Comox Valley Waste Management Centre – landfill
• Lewis Centre
• LINC Youth Centre
• Florence Filberg Centre
• Village of Cumberland Recreation Centre 

Closed on Monday, October 2, 2023:

• Comox Town Hall
• Comox Valley Regional District Office
• Comox Municipal Works Yard
• Courtenay City Hall
• Courtenay Fire Hall
• Courtenay Public Works
• Lewis Centre
• LINC Youth Centre
• Florence Filberg Centre
• Village of Cumberland Office
• Village of Cumberland Recreation Centre

During this time, the local governments are encouraging their employees to participate in local activities that acknowledge the lives of the children who did not come home and to expand their personal learning. Staff are also provided with learning opportunities and resources throughout the year to better understand the impacts of colonialism and promote Indigenous cultural awareness.

To work towards community healing, the CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, K’ómoks First Nation and several community Indigenous groups have together formed an Advisory Table on Reconciliation. This group is currently laying the foundation for its work, which will include recommendations to local governments on reconciliation initiatives that are appropriate and meaningful to the Indigenous community.

What can you do?

• Understand the origins of Orange Shirt Day. Visit: orangeshirtday.org
• Wear orange on September 30
• Attend the Comox Valley Spirit Walk anytime between 11am-5pm at Simms Millenium Park hosted by Comox Valley MIKI'SIW Métis Association and Indigenous Women's Sharing Society
• Discover and share the origin stories, history and languages of the K’ómoks First Nation. Visit: komoks.ca/cultures
• Access learning resources at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit: nctr.ca

The City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District respectfully acknowledge the land on which they operate is on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.