September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day designated to honour the survivors of and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. This work can and should be done every day and these resources are available to you and for you to share at any time.
SUPPORT
Please note that some of the following content may be distressing. If you or someone you know is in need of support, please see this list of crisis lines and supports available.
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 – Indigenous Services Canada offers a national Indian Residential School Crisis Line to support former Residential School students. The crisis line provides emotional and crisis referral services 24 hours a day.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) Toll free: 1-800-721-0066 – provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas
- The Hope for Wellness Help Line- 1-855-242-3310 (Chat Line) offers 24-hour immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
- Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642 (toll-free)
- Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hours Distress Line 780-482-4357 (HELP)
- Kids Help Phone offers support over the phone 24/7 at 1-800-668-6868.
LEARNING RESOURCES
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- Assembly of First Nations
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- On Canada Project – Settlers Take Action
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Residential School History
- What is Land Back?
- 8 Ways to Identify and Confront Residential School Denialism
- University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Free Online Course
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A Reading List
- Interview with Glen Coulthard on Indigeneity beyond the Politics of Recognition
- Interview with Glen Coulthard – The Colonialism of the Present
- A Conversation with Idle No More’s Leanne Betasamosake Simpson On Extractivism and Healing
- Review of As We Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom Through Radical Resistance by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
LEARN ABOUT INDIGENOUS LANDMARKS, SPACES, AND ACTIVITIES
- Landmarks and spaces (Edmonton)
- See Tourism Calgary and Indigenous Tourism Alberta Resources (Calgary)
- Daily Hive 11 places to learn about Indigenous culture in Metro Vancouver (Vancouver)
- VicNews-Victoria landmarks provide journey through culture and history of First Nations (Victoria)
SUPPORT INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES
- 7 Indigenous-owned businesses you should check out in Calgary (Calgary)
- Indigenous Arts & Business in Edmonton (Edmonton)
- BC Marketplace – Discover Indigenous-owned businesses near you (BC)
- Vancouver is awesome – Indigenous-owned businesses to support (Vancouver)
RESOURCES FOR REFLECTION AND LEARNING FOR THE NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. It means acknowledging the past and ensuring history never repeats itself by respecting Indigenous treaties and rights and letting go of negative perceptions and stereotypes to work towards solidarity. Reflect on how you can work towards reconciliation in your own life and create your own personal reconciliation plan.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Participate in celebrations of Indigenous achievement, joy, and ceremony.
ALBERTA
- the Bear Grease tour (Lloydminster, Medicine Hat, Canmore, St. Alberta, and Fort Saskatchewan)
- O’KOSI by Making Treaty 7 (Calgary)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Arts Commons (Calgary)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering (Fort McKay)
- Powwow! Ohcîwin dance regalia gallery (Grande Prairie)
- Powwow & Artisan Expo (Lethbridge)
- Demonstration Powwow (Medicine Hat)
- City of Edmonton (Edmonton)
- EDMONTON – See explore Edmonton’s Resources (Edmonton)
- City of Edmonton Events and Resources (Edmonton)
- Visit the grand opening of Payhonin National Healing Forest Grand Opening (Edmonton)
- Truth and Reconciliation day at Fort Edmonton Park (Edmonton)
- Activities at Edmonton Public Libraries (Edmonton)
- Otehiwin // Open House: Special Event: Songwriters and Storytellers Circle (Edmonton)
BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Indigenous Tourism BC (BC)
- 9 ways to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in and around Vancouver (Vancouver)
- CRD Resources (Vancouver Island)
ONTARIO
