On September 30th 2025, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – also known as Orange
Shirt Day – Matriarch Movement and neechie club came together to honour residential school
Survivors, remember the Indigenous children who never made it home, and move forward in
embodied reconciliation and meaningful dialogue.

Held at Batch Vancouver on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the Musqueam, Squamish,
and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, this gathering brought together 100 participants – Indigenous and
non-Indigenous people to move, reflect and be in ceremony with one another. A gathering
where truth could be felt, not just spoken.

Honouring the Four Directions with Musqueam Elder, Kelly White &
Opening Remarks by MLA, Wade Grant

The Indigenous led wellness event began in a good way with an opening prayer, smudge and
honouring of the Four Directions led by Musqueam Elder Kelly White, grounding the group in
gratitude, connection to the land and each other.

Vancouver Quadra’s MLA Wade Grant then shared heartfelt words on the importance of this
day and what the day represented for him and his family. A reminder that reconciliation must
live in action, not just in theory. His reflections spoke to both the grief and the hope carried by
communities across Turtle Island.

Movement as Medicine with Shayla (Matriarch Movement) and Sarah Anne
(neechie club)

After the opening remarks and ceremony, Matriarch Movement founder Shayla Oulette
Stonechild guided participants through a short meditation and movement flow, inviting
everyone to breathe, feel, and release and to set an intention for the day. For Shayla, movement has always been a bridge between healing and reclamation – a way to reclaim the body as a vessel to honour your truth and make way for releasing your own suffering. Participants then had the choice to honour this day through a 5km run or 1.5km walk, led by Sarah Anne, founder of neechie club, with the support of volunteers from Kin Culture. Each step became an offering – for the children, for the ancestors, and for the generations yet to come.

Offerings, Reflections & Sharing

Participants were invited to offer a tobacco offering in honour of the day, connecting spirit to
the land and intention into action. The gathering closed with a sharing circle, where
participants reflected on what the day meant to them – a space of vulnerability, truth-telling, and
collective healing.

Walking Together in Reconciliation
While the day carried the weight of our shared history within Canada and the ongoing grief we
feel as Indigenous people, it ended in a form of empowerment and unity. Together, we
demonstrated that “reconciliation” is not a one-day event – it’s a continual practice rooted in
community, ceremony, and compassion.

We raise our hands in gratitude to Elder Kelly White, MLA Wade Grant, neechie club, and all
participants who joined us in ceremony and movement. A special thank you to lululemon for
walking alongside us and supporting this event through volunteers and community care. Till next
time.

Follow neechie club: @neechieclub