Sept. 30, 2021 will be the first national Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is the same date as Orange Shirt Day. The day is to acknowledge and honour the victims and survivors of residential schools, and to reflect on how the aftermath affects Indigenous peoples. It’s also a day of action for non-Indigenous canadians to learn about the culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and to support Indigenous peoples.
Thing you can do:
1.Learn about Residential Schools to honour the lost children, victims and Survivors. And learn of the lasting and ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples.
- Education resources for all ages, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Residential School History, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- History of Residential Schools, Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada
- An Overview of the Indian Residential School System,Written by the Union of Ontario Indians
2. Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Report and its 94 Call to Actions
- 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (child and adult friendly)
- ‘Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future.’ Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
3. Follow discussions and learn about Indigenous peoples and culture from Indigenous led organizations
- Assembly of First Nations
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
- Métis National Council
- Your local Friendship Centre
4. Attend an Indigenous led event on Sept. 30 and show your support
Look online for a local event to attend in-person.
Virtual Events:
- List of Sept 30 Events from McMaster University
- List of Week of Events from National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Kìyàbadj Kidandanizimin. We are still here, Virtual Storytelling Event
5. Support Indigenous owned businesses on day of and after
- When looking to buy specific items do an internet search for Indigenous-owned or run businesses.
- National Indigenous Business Directory by Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
- #BeTheDrum Indigenous Women’s Business Directory
6. Make a donation to Indigenous people or organizations
Here’s a few suggestions if you’re looking for ideas.
- Legacy of Hope Foundation
- Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society
- Reconciliation Canada
- First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Descriptions of Visual Elements in Banner
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the center which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to the reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented in the image.
Description of the three icons
- The eagle to represent First Nations peoples
- The narwhal to represent Inuit
- The beaded flower to represent Métis peoples