Communities throughout Campbell River and the Comox Valley are preparing to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

The day honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis residential-school Survivors, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities that continue to live with the lasting impacts of the residential-school system.

Many public facilities in Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland will be closed for the day.

Comox Valley Regional District offices and recreation facilities will also be closed, along with the Comox Valley and Campbell River waste-management centres.

Strathcona Gardens will operate on a limited schedule.

An Everyone Welcome Skate and Pond Hockey session will run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and previously booked arena groups may continue as scheduled.

All other regular programs and classes will be cancelled.

A community Spirit Walk will begin at Lewis Park in Courtenay at 10 a.m., with everyone welcome to participate.

In Campbell River, residents are encouraged to watch for activities organized by the Laichwiltach Family Life Society and other local groups.

The Strathcona Regional District is encouraging community members to wear orange, attend local events and learn more about the First Nations whose territories they live and work within.

Residents are also encouraged to use the day - and the year ahead - to listen, learn and reflect on reconciliation.