Truth and Reconciliation at Abbotsford Christian School

At ACS, we believe in a God who desires us to reconcile all things to Himself (2 Corinthians 5: 16-20, Colossians 1:19-20). Reconciliation is the important work that Christ followers are all called to when our relationships are broken. Our tragic Canadian history with our Indigenous Neighbors reveals a need for us to take intentional steps towards truth (recognizing what went wrong) and reconciliation (doing what we can to make things right). The resources offered by our Truth and Reconciliation team on this page may be helpful as you and/or your family look for ways to engage meaningfully around our call to pursue truth and reconciliation with our Indigenous Neighbours. 

Events & Activities

LOCAL, IN-PERSON EVENTS 2026

 
Wednesday, September 30 – Abbotsford
Wednesday, September 30 – Chilliwack
Wednesday, September 30 – Mission

More events to consider in the Greater Vancouver area

A note about community events and activities: As part of this resource, we share opportunities taking place throughout the broader community that may support learning, reflection, and engagement around Truth and Reconciliation. These listings are provided for informational purposes and do not represent an endorsement by ACS. We encourage families to explore each opportunity and make participation decisions that are right for them.

ACTIVITIES

  • Connect with Indigenous family and friends today. Spend time listening to their stories, observe them valuing Indigenous culture, and hear their heart for reconciliation.
  • Go for a walk with your family in creation, give God thanks for his bountiful creation. Spend time talking about our call to steward his creation. Wonder together about what we can learn from our Indigenous communities about stewarding our earth well.

First Nations & The Church – Love

More Video Resources

CHILDREN’S VIDEOS

CBC KIDS: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation YouTube playlist

DOCUMENTARY

The Salmon’s Call: A documentary exploring the intricate spiritual and cultural relationship between wild salmon and Indigenous people.

RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVOR STORIES

YUMMO COMES HOME: A Residential School Healing Journey by Outreach Canada

NATIONAL FILM BOARD: A series of short documentaries and survivor stories on residential schools in Canada.

Bones of Crows: CONTENT WARNING (older audiences) A family is forced into a fight for survival that spans generations.

THE STRANGER

“The Stranger” is the first full chapter and song of The Secret Path. Adapted from Gord Downie’s album and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel, The Secret Path chronicles the heartbreaking story of Chanie Wenjack’s residential school experience and subsequent death as he escapes and attempts to walk 600 km home to his family.

Family Resources

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Michelle Stoney, BC Indigenous artist, has made her printable artwork available as colouring sheets for kids.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Truth & Reconciliation Day Family Discussion Guide from Scholastic

BOOKS TO READ WITH KIDS

  • The Girl Who Loved Birds by Joseph Dandurand (Ages 4-8)
  • A Magical Sturgeon by Joseph Dandurand (Ages 4-8)
  • When We Were Alone by David A. Robinson and Julie Flett (Ages 4-8
  • Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola Campbell (Ages 4-8)
  • Shin-chi’s Canoe, by Nicola Campbell (Ages 4-8)
  • Arctic Stories, by Michael Kusugak (Ages 4-8)
  • Kookum’s Red Shoes, by Peter Eyvindson (Ages 4-8)
  • Fatty Legs: A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Ages 9-12)
  • A Stranger at Home: A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Ages 9-12)
  • No Time to Say Goodbye: Children’s Stories of Kuper Island Residential School, by Sylvia Olsen (Ages 9-12)
  • As Long as the Rivers Flow, by Larry Loyie (Ages 9-12)
  • My Name is Seepeetza, by Shirley Sterling (Ages 9-12)
  • We feel good out here = Zhik gwaa’an, nakhwatthaiitat qwiinzii (The Land is Our Storybook) by Julie-Ann André and Mindy Willett (Ages 9-12)

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A Christian Response to Reconciliation