National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Sointula Museum acknowledges that we are located on the unceded Kwakwaka’wakw territories of the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikala, and Kwakiutl Nations. We are grateful to live, learn, and share stories on this land, and we recognize the deep history and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples on Malcolm Island and throughout the North Island.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, and to remember the children who never returned home. It is also a day to reflect on the enduring impacts of colonial policies and the responsibility we share to listen, learn, and act toward reconciliation.
The Sointula Museum will be open from 12–4 pm with the exhibition Exploring the Historical Indigenous Presence on the Island (before the Finns). This exhibition highlights the historical Indigenous presence on Malcolm Island and across the North Island, featuring maps that restore Indigenous territory names alongside stories and materials that invite reflection and dialogue.
Though our neighbour, the Sointula Library, will be closed on September 30, we encourage you to explore books by Indigenous authors and voices. A few titles recommended by Museum Staff and are currently available at the library include:
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21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality by Bob Joseph
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From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
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Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls by Angela Sterritt
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They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School by Bev Sellars
If you are unable to visit the museum, we encourage you to spend time with works such as these, or simply take a walk on the land with this day in mind.
This day is also Orange Shirt Day. If you find yourself down island, London Drugs, Canadian Tire and Mark’s are selling shirts. The Orange Shirt Society also has a resource list for understanding and planning Orange Shirt Day, the Residential School System of Canada, and much more.
Ferry travel between us and ‘Ya̱lis is free for walk-ons and car travellers. The U’mista Culture Centre may not be open on September 30th, but everyday is an opportunity to learn. Click this link to visit their website.
upcoming events
There’s always something in the works at the Sointula Museum. Check out our Events calendar to stay in the loop!
Sointula Museum
280 1st Street
Sointula BC
V0N 3E0
Museum Hours
Open by appointment October 1st 2025 through May 2026. Please call or text, or send us a message on social media. Thank you!
Admission by donation
Quick Links
The Sointula Museum and Historical Society respectfully acknowledges that we operate in the unceded Kwakwaka'wakw territories of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikala and Kwakuitl Nations.