Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a time to reflect on the enduring impact of former residential schools, and to honour survivors, the children who did not return home, and their families and communities.
At Trans Canada Trail, we reaffirm our year-round – and ongoing – commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. We’re committed to developing meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. This includes actively listening to and learning from Indigenous voices, supporting initiatives that celebrate and integrate Indigenous culture and heritage along the Trans Canada Trail and beyond, and fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement — and encouraging and supporting our Trail partners to do the same. Read more about our Commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation and our annual Report on Reconciliation here.
Below you will find a list of recommended resources and events from across Canada. This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage you to find opportunities in your community.
Photo credit: Brook Mcllroy
Suggested resources and events
Interactive map and learning resources
Beyond 94 interactive resource from CBC
Indigenous Canada course from University of Alberta (free; online)
Unrooted podcast from the Indigenous Foundation
Indigenous Cities from the National Arts Centre
Articles and videos about Orange Shirt Day and residential schools
Article from CBC kids
Video from Tribal Trade
Videos from Orange Shirt Society
Playlist from National Film Board
Phyllis’ Story from Orange Shirt Society
Shoal Lake 40 Freedom Road
Stolen Children – survivors speak out video from CBC
A Story of Sports and Survival from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Virtual tour of former Mohawk Institute Residential School from Woodland Cultural Centre
Legal Timeline of Indigenous Rights from Mikana
The Decolonial Toolbox from Mikana
Events for the National Week of Truth & Reconciliation from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
Events and webinars from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation
A sampling of events:
• Lake Cowichan, BC – Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation – Every Child Matters
• Coquitlam, BC – Stories Behind the Circle of Life and sm??q??a? at Mundy Park Pool
• Kelowna, BC – Truth and Reconciliation: (Un)learn with Kelowna Museums
• Regina, SK – Media and Reconcilation with Nelson Bird
• Edmonton, AB — From Acknowledgement to Action event
• Manitoba — Reconciliation Run (in-person and virtual)
• Winnipeg, MB – Healing Walk with Southern Chiefs’ Organization
• Winnipeg, MB – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Manitoba Children’s Museum
• Cambridge, ON – Screening of WaaPaKe (Tomorrow): National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Sault Ste. Marie, ON — Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie at former Shingwauk Indian Residential School National Historic Site
• Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario — Truth and Reconciliation in an Era of Distraction with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux (virtual)
• Hamilton, ON – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Ottawa, ON – Gather on Parliament Hill
• Lachine, QC – Screening of Ninan Auassat (Nous, les enfants)
• Montreal, QC – Every Child Matters march and day of action from the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
• Saint John, NB – Healing Walk
• Prince Edward Island – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Charlottetown
• Liverpool, NS – Gathering at Hank Snow Hometown Museum
• Newfoundland and Labrador – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with First Light
• Northwest Territories (various)
Main photo credit: Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Government of Saskatchewan
