Truth and Reconciliation Day Pictures
On September 30th, Truth and Reconciliation Day, SoCal hosted an event at McDougall United Church. This was a free event open to everyone. The day started with a delicious lunch of chili and Bannock. Then guests were invited into the Sanctuary for an unveiling of the mural. Artist Crystal Clark spoke about the meaning behind the artwork. She took the time to explain how her family was impacted by residential schools as well as answered questions. This was followed by a liturgy adapted from Rev. Tony Snow's Service for Orange Shirt Day. Afterwards guests were able to participate in a craft.
Below are some pictures from the event as well as an artist bio for Crystal Clark.
Artist Bio
Crystal Clark is a Dene, nêhiyaw-iskwêw, and Métis mixed-media artist and Indigenous educator whose work explores themes of relationships, relationality, rematriation, reciprocity, identity, the natural world, and cultural continuity. Through vibrant visual storytelling, her artwork invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of people, place, water, sky, plants, animals, and spirit.
With over two decades of experience in education, Crystal brings together her artistic practice and her work as an educator to create opportunities for celebration, learning, dialogue, and reconciliation. Her public art, paintings, and educational resources have been exhibited and commissioned provincially and nationally. She is passionate about creating spaces where art becomes a catalyst for reflection, healing, and meaningful conversations.
As the daughter of a Residential School Survivor, Crystal's work is informed by both lived experience and the first-generation impacts of intergenerational trauma. As an Indigenous educator, she has witnessed firsthand how visual storytelling creates accessible entry points into learning, helping people connect with culture, history, and one another in meaningful ways.
Her work created for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation first honours the children who never returned home and those who survived, while also recognizing the enduring strength of Survivors, their families, cultures, and communities. Through her art, she encourages collective remembrance, reflection, healing, and hope for present and future generations. You can learn more by visiting her website.
To learn more about the Right Relations Work at McDougall, please visit the webpage.
