September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We remember and recognize the victims and survivors of Residential Schools that took place throughout Canada. 

Our mission at LCS is to achieve a just and equitable society for all, and part of this journey is to take action by learning more about Indigenous stories, experiences, and history. Below are some compiled resources. Please feel free to share the below and connect with us by emailing [email protected]. 

In solidarity,

Labour Community Services

The Indian Residential School system operated across Canada for well over 100 years, with the last schools closing in the 1990s. Indian Residential Schools were created to separate Indigenous children from their families and communities, and to systematically strip away their traditions, cultural practices and languages.

More than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis children from across the country were forced to attend Indian Residential Schools, which were often located far from their homes. Thousands never made it home.

Each year on the federally recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect and honour Survivors, their families and communities affected by the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of potential unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Survivors across Canada have long told stories of the abuse and deaths that took place at these institutions. The announcement from the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation has galvanized nationwide efforts by Indigenous communities to locate their missing children.

Commemorating this day to honour Survivors and increase understanding of the history and legacy of Residential Schools is one step in a long journey towards truth-telling and meaningful reconciliation.

SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO WEBSITE

4th Annual Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In honour of the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering, entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This special program seeks to honour Survivors, pay tribute to the children who never made it home from residential schools, and deliver a safe and nurturing environment for reconciliation and healing. This year’s gathering will encompass powerful reflections from esteemed Elders and Survivors as well as moving performances by First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists.

The gathering will be broadcast live on all APTN channels and partnering Canadian broadcasters to reach as many viewers as possible. Tune in and join us on our collective journey towards reconciliation.

Watch on YouTube on September 30

Orange Shirt Day

SEPTEMBER 30

Orange Shirt Day commemorates the residential school experience, witnessing and honouring the healing journey of the Survivors and their families. EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

In 2015, the Orange Shirt Society was formed to create awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of Indian Residential Schools with the purpose of supporting Indian Residential School Reconciliation and promoting the truth that EVERY CHILD MATTERS.

Phyllis Webstad is the Founder and Ambassador of the Orange Shirt Society, and tours the country telling her story and raising awareness about the impacts of the residential school system.

Watch Phyllis' story or click the website below for more resources.

SOURCE: ORANGE SHIRT SOCIETY WEBSITE

Phyllis Webstad explains the story of her experience at Residential School and the origination of Orange Shirt Day in Canada. She discusses the present situation and her hopes for the future.

Truth & Reconciliation Week Lunch & Learns - Now Online

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada, took place last week, but are now available online:

• Surviving the Residential School System
• Uncovering the Truth: Ground Searches
• The Ongoing Legacy of the Residential School System through Child Welfare
• Reflecting on the TRC’s Calls to Action 10 Years Later
• Corporate Conversations on Reconciliation
• Confronting Residential School Denialism

SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEBSITE

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harm caused. Their efforts culminated in:

• the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
• apologies by the government
• the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• the creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. Read more...

SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA WEBSITE

Support

If you, or someone you know, needs help or support.

A National Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support to former Residential School students and their families. You can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the free of charge 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also connect with The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free help line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential help line available in 14 languages for Indigenous women in Ontario. Call the toll-free number at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325).

Free and confidential mental health support is available to anyone who may be affected.

SOURCE: GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO WEBSITE