September 22-26 is Truth and Reconciliation Week. We remember and recognize the victims and survivors of Residential Schools that took place throughout Canada.
Our fight for an equitable society for all continues. This past June during the Bromley L. Armstrong Awards Gala, Indigenous activists Merv King from USW, Shyanna Medicine from SEIU Healthcare, and CUPE 79 were recognized for their focus on fighting for Indigenous rights, human rights, equity and social justice. Their work is a reminder that positive change takes action every day.
As part of our continued learning of Indigenous stories, experiences, and history, below are some compiled resources. If you have any content that you would like to share, please connect with us at [email protected].
In solidarity,
Labour Community Services
Truth & Reconciliation Week Lunch & Learns
SEPTEMBER 22-26
*More videos can be found on the NCTR YouTube page.
Join the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's daily Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.
Lunch and Learn sessions are aimed at an adult audience, and open to the public, and will be hosted virtually over Zoom Webinar and streamed to YouTube.
Expert matter speakers will present for 40-50 minutes before a Q&A between the moderator and guest(s).
All sessions will have simultaneous English-French, and ASL interpretation.
Truth and Reconciliation Week daily Lunch and Learn webinars are presented with the gracious support of Enbridge and the Canadian Public Health Association. Click here to sign up or for more resources...
SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEBSITE
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuW4WbekhxY&t=4s
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