Truth and Reconciliation Week
Join us this month for a week (Sept. 23–29) of reflection, learning and connection as CapU honours truth and reconciliation through Indigenous storytelling, music, art, fashion, cultural performances and conversation. Take part, learn and connect as we continue our shared journey.
Wednesday, September 23
Opening of Truth & Reconciliation Week with Indigenous hip hop artist Brandon Peters
Details: 11–1:05 p.m., Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts
Join Indigenous recording artist and motivational speaker Brandon Peters for a one-hour truth and reconciliation experience blending storytelling, lived experience and music.
Brandon shares his journey of navigating two worlds, overcoming addiction and reconnecting with Indigenous culture, community and tradition. Through his story, he explores intergenerational trauma, resilience, identity and healing, leaving audiences with a message of hope and perseverance.
The event concludes with a 20-minute live performance featuring songs from his EP, Energy, celebrating strength, healing and Indigenous pride.
Orange Shirt pin-making
Details: 12–1 p.m., CSU boardroom, Maple Building
The CSU's new Indigenous Students' Union is hosting an Orange Shirt pin-making event. Come learn about Orange Shirt Day, as well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation while making a pin to wear on September 30. Everyone is welcome. Any questions may be directed to Donna Cole at dcole@csu.bc.ca.
Thursday, September 24
Cultural performances—Three Nations, culture, song & teachings
Details: 11–2:30 p.m., Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts
St’át’imc Nation—Bear Dance cultural performance
- Qyiyek Thunder: Bear Dancer
- Darrel Bob & Theresa Fenton-Bob: Hand drummers, songs and teachings
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)—Cultural performance
- Alroy Baker: Squamish cultural sharing, songs, teachings and traditions
səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)—Cultural performance
- Gabe George Sr.: Tsleil-Waututh cultural sharing, songs, teachings and traditions
Friday, September 25
Musical performance—Dances with Wolf Gang
Details: 11–12:40 p.m., Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts
Dances with Wolf Gang is a family cover band with deep roots in music, culture and community. Featuring members from Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the Métis community, the group brings decades of combined performance experience to the stage.
Music runs through generations of the family, with members carrying forward a musical legacy that includes their great-grandfather, Chief Dan George. Together, Dances with Wolf Gang bring people together through music, family and culture.
Indigenous mini fashion show and cultural programming
Details: 3–5:15 p.m., Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts
Join us for an Indigenous fashion show featuring designers Sierra William (Chi?ela), Jaden (Another Coyote) and Diera Gutowski.
Sierra, from Xeni Gwet’in within the Tsilhqot’in Nation, creates traditional clothing and beadwork inspired by her identity, culture and late grandmother.
Jaden, a St’át’imc and Secwépemc designer and founder of Á7ma Trickster, creates modern Indigenous pieces that carry cultural stories and teachings forward through fashion.
Diera, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation with Swampy Cree heritage, draws on teachings from her Kookum (grandmother) and her connection to the land to create fashion rooted in identity, creativity and storytelling.
Tuesday, September 29
Elder Larry Grant—Book release & talk
Details: 11 a.m.–1:40 p.m., Capilano University Centre for the Performing Arts
We honour Elder Larry Grant and celebrate the release of Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong. Be part of an afternoon rooted in community, learning and honouring lived experience.
This special event will feature Elder Grant—respected educator and knowledge keeper—as well as co-author Scott Steedman and Sarah Ling, a community historian and documentary filmmaker.
Together, they will share stories behind the book, reflecting on a remarkable life shaped by resilience, identity and belonging. Elder Grant will also share his reflections on reconciliation, drawing from his lived experience and lifelong journey.
Reconciling: A Lifelong Struggle to Belong traces Elder Grant’s experiences growing up with Musqueam and Chinese heritage, the impacts of exclusion under the Indian Act, and the broader histories of Indigenous revival, residential schools and migration in Vancouver. It’s a powerful and deeply personal story that invites reflection and conversation.
Books will be available for sale by Chinatown Wonders. Net proceeds from book sales will go towards the production of a multilingual children's book on Elder Grant's childhood in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, Chinese and English.