Truth and Reconciliation in Action
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on September 30. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
This week we are sharing resources, events and ways that we can all take up the call to support truth and reconciliation in our daily lives and within our communities.
Reconciliation in Action How can we be part of the change?
It is only together, working as one – nutsamaat shqwuluwun - that we can help raise each other up. But even as one person, you can be part of the change. Educate yourself about residential schools
Read stories and accounts of survivors to learn about their experiences
Watch a film about Residential school experiences:
Talk to your children and teach them too – teach them to be kind and inclusive Learn place names, greetings and words in the local Indigenous language – for us it’s Hul’qumi’num
For example:
Saysutshun (Newcastle Island)
Te’tuxwtun (Mt. Benson)
Uy’ skweyul (good day)
he’ewulh (goodbye)
huy ch q’a (thank you)
namut kwu (you are welcome)
Check out KL’s Language video series on YouTube for more.
Learn about the Indigenous people on whose land you live, work and play – the history, language, art and culture Support Indigenous artists to bring their work to light – music, art, carving
Be an ally
Listen and ask questions
Demand implementation of the TRC’s 94 calls to action – write, call your government
Stand up and be heard – speak out against racism, prejudice and stereotyping of Indigenous people, don’t be silent
EVENTS:
Nanaimo: Honouring our Children On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Snuneymuxw First Nation, the City of Nanaimo and Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools are hosting an event on September 30th at Maffeo Sutton Park/Swy-a-Lana from 10am to 2pm. This will include messages from leaders, a ceremony to celebrate a welcome pole by Snuneymuxw carver Noel Brown, Snuneymuxw Flag recognition, Elder sharings, Snuneymuxw Dancers and cultural performances by Children and Youth.
VIU’s Malaspina Theatre Hosts Winds of Change Art Exhibit
Featuring works by Stz’uminus First Nation artist Daniel R. Elliott, the exhibit explores the impacts of colonization and how healing can be achieved.
His paintings are on display in the Malaspina Theatre lobby (Building 310) on Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus from October 1 to 13. They take viewers through a curve of emotions – from beautiful, pre-contact scenes, to the impacts of colonization, to the artist’s vision of how reconciliation can happen. Group or school tours hosted by the artist can be booked by emailing indigenous@viu.ca.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Live Stream Broadcast
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has collaborated with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to produce a broadcast special, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in partnership with APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada, Insight Productions and Canadian Heritage. The special honours the stories and perspectives of those affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will broadcast and stream live Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.
Reconciliation Event for Schools
For Youth Grades 5 – 12, there's a 5-day FREE online event open to all Canadian schools, September 27 through October 1, 2021. Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/truth-and-reconciliation-week-tickets-153491752965
ONLINE RESOURCES:
"Namwayut: We Are All One" CBC Video on Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, narrated by Chief Robert Joseph, a residential school survivor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zuRQmwaREY
How can Canadians work toward reconciliation, an interview with Justice Murray Sinclair, former Chairperson of the TRC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=j2Lv21Ktz84
Read: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada reports, including the TRC's Calls to Action, or order a hardcopy booklet. https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
WELLNESS SUPPORTS:
KUU-US Crisis Line Society - https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates 24 hours and is a provincial aboriginal crisis line.
Phone: Adult Crisis Line 250-723-4050
Youth Crisis Line: 250-723-2040
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) - https://www.irsss.ca/
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society encourages you to take time to care for your Mental and Emotional wellbeing. Please contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society 24hr Crises Line if you require further emotional support or assistance.
Phone: 1.866.925.4419
Kids Help Phone - https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Immediate and caring support, information and, if necessary, referral to a local community or social service agency. The 24-hour distress line is staffed by counsellors and trained volunteers who are committed to helping youths in crisis.
Phone: 1.800.668.6868