National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

It is a day when we reflect on the painful and tragic period of history in our country, and honour the children who perished in residential schools, as well as, survivors and all families affected by this horror.  Recognizing this dark history is a step toward reconciliation.

If you would like to take time to learn about Indigenous history, Orange Shirt Day, and the meaning behind it, you are invited to use the following resources.

Begin your learning journey -  History of Indigenous peoples in Canada

Learn about Canada's three distinct groups - Indigenous peoples and cultures

Historica Canada - Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline (5.39min)

It can be incredibly difficult to listen to the stories and the experiences of those who attended the residential schools.  Listening to the stories of Residential School Survivors is important step for awareness and acceptance for everyone in Canada. 

Historica Canada -  Lillian Elias: A Residential School Survivor's Story (1:42 min)

CBC News – Louise Hall (3:54 min)

CBC News – Chris Metatawabin (7:54 min)

The Globe and Mail - Michael Cheena (3:47 min)

Indian Horse - 4 Survivor Stories

CBC/Radio-Canada - Katherine Thomas (2:18 min)

CBC/Radio-Canada - Three formers students talk about the violent abuse (5:32 min)

[Warning: Distressing Details]

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not.  

Read the story told by Phyllis Webstad, who is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band).  

Note:  Research your purchase.  Online vendors with no connection to Indigenous causes have also popped up on sites like Facebook, Amazon and Etsy, in many cases featuring art stolen from First Nations artists. 

NCTR -  Every Child Matters: Truth - Act One (46:31 min)

NCTR -  Every Child Matters: Reconciliation - Act Two (48:28 min)

Learn how the Government of Canada is responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action 

CBC Article -  Things to watch, read, reflect on

The National - Murray Sinclair on moving reconciliation forward in Canada (15:43 min)