National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022
Land Acknowledgement
Let us begin by acknowledging the traditional territory of the Indigenous Peoples of this land. We acknowledge that The Broadview Village programs and offices are situated on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and the Inuit Peoples.
Thank you, Miigwetch
Land acknowledgements: uncovering an oral history of Tkaronto
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
For more information about Canadian history and the Residential School System from The Orange Shirt Society see the video below.
What can I do?
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Wear orange – September 30 became
known as Orange Shirt Day because of the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). On her first day of school, Phyllis arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. On Sept. 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of the Canadian Residential School System.
Learn about the Residential School History and Truth and Reconciliation (Click here)
For a period of more than 150 years, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children were taken from their families and communities to attend schools which were often located far from their homes. More than 150,000 children attended Indian Residential Schools. Many never returned.
Donate to Indigenous Organizations (Click here)
There are a number of wonderful charities, causes, and funds that can be donated to where the money will go toward helping to support Indigenous communities across the country.
Find nonprofit and charity organizations near you, who need volunteers in areas such as addressing local water challenges in Indigenous communities, providing programs that support Indigenous spiritual, emotional, physical and mental well-being, and education.
Sign Petitions for Safe Drinking Water (Click here)
Internationally, the right to water is recognized by the United Nations. It entitles everyone, without discrimination, access to safe, sufficient, physically accessible and affordable water. In Canada, while our water quality is ranked among the best in the world, First Nations across the country struggle to access a safe supply.
First Nations face disproportionately higher numbers of drinking water advisories, and are subjected to these advisories for longer periods of time than non-Indigenous people. This is due to inadequate and chronic under-funding, regulatory voids and a lack of resources to support water management. The number of water-borne diseases in First Nations communities is 26 times higher than the national average, and people living on reserve are 90 times more likely to have no access to running water compared to non-Indigenous people in Canada. In many of these First Nations, water has elevated levels of heavy metals, including iron and manganese, and contaminants like E. coli.
Credit:
Mario Swampy, a council member from Samson Cree Nation, co-authored this article.
Kerry Black is assistant professor and Canada Research Chair, Integrated Knowledge, Engineering and Sustainable Communities, University of Calgary.
For full article go to: Tip of the iceberg: The true state of drinking water advisories in First Nations
Attend Indigenous Events (Click here)
Several upcoming festivals and events celebrate Indigenous culture and the contributions, accomplishments and talent of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in theatre, film, music, sport and science.
Learn about the Residential School History and Truth and Reconciliation
Read:
The Salvation Army in Canada and Indigenous Peoples
A resource provided by the Social Issues Committee and Territorial Indigenous Ministries The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
Learn about Canada's Indigenous Peoples
Learn from these videos
Every Child Matters: Truth – Act One
Canadian Residential School History
Phyllis Webstad – Missing Residential School children
Phyllis Webstad Orange Shirt Day Presentation
TRC Mini Documentary – Senator Murray Sinclair on Reconciliation
Sen. Murray Sinclair: How can Canadians work toward reconciliation
Donate to Indigenous Organizations
Volunteer
Sign Petitions for Safe Drinking Water
Government of Canada: Indigenous Deserve CLEAN drinking water
Justin Trudeau: Clean water for Indigenous communities drinking from the Great Lakes Basin.
Help the First Nations in Canada secure a clean water source
Help Preserve Long Term Clean Water On Reserves
Canadian Federal Government: Implement an updated National Water Policy
Achieve clean drinking water for North Caribou Lake First Nation
Clean safe drinking water for ALL First Nations communities NOW !!
FIRST NATIONS WATER AND FOOD CRISIS IN CANADA
Provide Canadian Indigenous communities with clean drinking water
End the First Nations Water Crisis
Access to clean drinking water for Indigenous peoples in Manitoba
Trudeau: Time To End Drinking Water Advisories In First Nations
Demand Clean Drinking Water on All First Nations Reserves in Canada Immediately
Live Events
Share an afternoon of reflection and traditional craft to ground yourself in nature and connection with fellow community members!
In this in-person session, participants will create small beaded pieces with lead artist and Oshkabewis (ceremonial helper) Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe. The artist will share teachings on how we can strengthen our relationships with ourselves, the land, and creation.
Registration is required. This is a full-day workshop building on an online knowledge exchange and truth-telling session (Strawberry Tea Time: A Conversation with Indigenous Artists). Light refreshments will be available.
Waubgeshig Rice appeared at Toronto Reference Library’s Appel Salon to discuss his hotly anticipated new novel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, with Rosanna Deerchild, host of CBC Radio One’s UNRESERVED.
Join us for a replay of the live conversation which took place on October 18, 2023!
See if this title belongs on your reading list!
Join Indigenous activist, educator, storyteller, artist, and dancer, Jim Adams, as he shares how renewing our relationship with Four R’s (Relationships, Resilience, Resurgence, Reconcili-action) can help bring balance to the course of humankind’s path.
Drop-in. No registration required.
Jim is of mixed Indigenous and settler heritage and has a BFA, MFA, and M.Ed in Urban Indigenous Education. He seeks to make sense of the world through the use of story, music and movement. His greatest teachers and most profound understandings have come from relationships he has had with traditional Knowledge Keepers, Elders and his own children.
Sep 20, 2024, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
We are excited to announce that HEDR and Grandmother’s Voice have partnered to guide the Halton Community on the path of Reconciliation. To celebrate this new partnership, we are hosting the Echoes of Reconciliation Art & Music Festival. Join us as we work towards meaningful change in OUR community. Together, we will listen to the Echoes of wisdom from our Ancestors to amplify their teachings and messages of healing. By honouring the past, celebrating the present, and embracing these lessons, we will build a future grounded in reconciliation and unity.
This festival features Indigenous musicians, speakers, and wisdom keepers and vendors each bringing their unique voice and perspective. Whether you’re a member of the Indigenous community, an ally or someone eager to learn, we welcome you to participate in this celebration of resilience, culture, and the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation.
Festival Highlights Include:
⭕ Community Art Project: Contribute to a tile mosaic of the Two Row Wampum, a symbol of unity and respect.
⭕ Live Music Performances: Experience the soulful sounds of Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Lacey Hill, along with traditional drumming and singing performances.
⭕ Speakers and Panels: Hear from esteemed speakers and panelists who will share their knowledge and insights on Truth and Reconciliation, inspiring dialogue and education.
⭕ Wisdom Keepers’ Stories: Engage with the profound stories and teachings of Indigenous wisdom keepers, offering guidance and a deeper understanding of reconciliation and what it means to be connected in community
Come and be part of this powerful event as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a united future.
ReconciliACTION Market
Sep 20, 2024, 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
Join us at St. Lawrence Market in Downtown Toronto. The market will feature Indigenous artisans, food vendors, and performances from local Indigenous artists. All are welcome. No registration required.
Performance Schedule:
12:00pm – 12:30pm: Graeme Jonez
12:45pm – 1:15pm: LOR
1:00pm – 1:45pm: Tkaronto Métis Jiggers Dance Workshop
1:45pm – 2:15pm: Natasha Fisher
2:15pm – 3:00pm: Artist Talk with W’ dae b’ wae @ Market Gallery
2:30pm – 4:00pm: DJ Classic Roots
Commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Come join Odeiwin and community members at Oak Ridges Community Centre to honor National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th 2024 from 4pm to 7pm.
This Indigenous-led gathering is dedicated to learning about the history and ongoing impact on the Indigenous community of Canada, while using Indigenous ways of knowing to help heal and move forward in a good way.
Join us as we come together to reflect, learn, pray and heal as we all move forward on this path for truth and reconciliation.
Title: Truth before Reconciliation: Moving Forward in Peace, Friendship and Mutual Respect
In this month of learning about historical and contemporary relations between Indigenous Nations and the nation state of Canada, there are many painful truths that need to be unpacked. How can we learn together to unpack these truths and make these relationships more relevant – as individuals and as a society? How can we change how we listen and learn to move forward together with Peace, Friendship and Mutual Respect?
Join Dr. Ruth Green as she storytells about Treaty relations and responsibilities to the Lands and the people that have been caretakers of the territory known as Tkaronto since time immemorial.
Drop-in program. No registration required.
Join the Indigenous Relationship Building Circle for a community gathering featuring reflections, teachings, and traditions with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders.
Programming will begin at 10:30am until 1:30pm, afterwards participants will be invited to engage with a variety of local Indigenous dancers, speakers, and Elder in the park to learn more about the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation, cultural traditions and practices, and cultural reclamation.
Virtual Events
Sept. 23-25, 2024 2:00pm ET
Talon Pascal is a member of the Lil’wat Nation and an archaeology student at Simon Fraser University. He has been learning about traditional Lil’wat practices since he was a child, and his goal is to pass his skills and knowledge on to preserve his traditions. In this mini-series, Talon will share traditional Lil’wat practices. Available with French subtitles.
- September 23 | Part 1: Traditional Lil’wat Archery
- September 24 | Part 2: Flint Knapping
- September 25 | Part 3: Building a Canoe
DWF LIVE: Sports and Reconciliation with Dallas Soonias
Sept. 26, 2024 2:00pm ET
Join us for a candid conversation with Dallas Soonias, former professional volleyball player and CBC Olympic Commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dallas will offer a recap of the 2024 Olympics, sharing his favourite moments from the Games, and draw from his experience representing Team Canada at the World Championships and the Pan American Games. This session will also explore the theme of sports and reconciliation, and how this medium can be used as a way to bring people together and create more inclusive spaces for Indigenous people. Dallas lives in Calgary, AB, and is a proud member of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for 
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