September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, the District of Tofino invites the community to reflect on the lasting impacts of residential schools, acknowledge Survivors and their families, and remember the children who never returned home.

For many, this day carries pain and grief. For others, it is a chance to learn and stand in solidarity. For all, it is an opportunity to move forward together with honesty, empathy, and mutual respect. Wearing orange on this day acknowledges Indigenous Peoples across the country, honours resilience, and affirms a shared commitment that every child matters.

Reconciliation belongs to everyone. Each person has a role to play in listening, learning, and building stronger relationships. Guided by Call to Action 47 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the District is working to build trust, respect, and partnerships with the ʕaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ḥiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht), and ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) First Nations.

As a community on the unceded traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the District of Tofino has taken active steps this year to advance meaningful progress and collaboration with the Nation. These steps include raising the Tla-o-qui-aht flag alongside the Province of BC and Canada flags at the Municipal Office and supporting the renaming of Mackenzie Beach to tinwis. The District of Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation will also be signing an updated Protocol Agreement on September 30 and are in the process of drafting a Friendship Accord to further deepen collaboration.

Together, our community can walk a path of healing that acknowledges the past and strives for a more respectful and equitable future for all.

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Community Events – September 30

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation March

• Time: 10 AM
• Route: From First Street Dock, along Campbell Street/Highway 4/Multi-Use Path to tinwis Resort (3.7 km)
• The march will conclude with speeches and lunch at tinwis at 12 PM. The public is welcome to join both the march and the gathering.
• Traffic Notice: Please be aware of potential traffic delays along Campbell Street/Highway 4 during the march.

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Pathways from Settler Colonialism Workshop (Online)

• Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
• Hosted by Tsimka Martin and Jeanette Sheehy
• A workshop for non-Indigenous people to understand settler colonialism, reflect on responsibilities, and build right relationships.
• More Information & Registration

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National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Exhibit at Ucluelet Secondary School

• 10 AM – 3 PM
• Ucluelet Secondary School
• The exhibit will feature poetry, orange shirts, research projects and explore the 94 Calls to Action
• The exhibit will also be displayed at Tourism Tofino from October 8-19, 2025.
• More Information

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Further Learning Resources

Community members are encouraged to learn more about the history and legacy of residential schools, and the path toward reconciliation:

• Clayoquot Sound’s Christie Residential School
• Rough Seas Calming: Tin Wis – Past, Present, and Future
• B.C.'s Last Residential School
• Indian Residential School History & Dialogue Centre Collections
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action