National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resources

September 30th marks National Truth and Reconciliation Day. A day where we pause, reflect and support people who have been affected by the residential school system. It is a day devoted to taking time and learning about the history and ongoing impacts from our history by recognizing Indigenous residential school survivors – and to honour the Indigenous children who did not make it home, along with their families.

We encourage all of you to wear orange on this day to recognize and remember those children, whose culture and loved ones were taken away in acts of genocide.

Here at the Centre for Mindfulness Studies, we acknowledge the generational impacts of colonial violence and the systemic failures that continue to happen. We stand in solidarity with all First Nations and Indigenous communities who are still healing and grieving. We understand that reconciliation is truly never enough. We grieve alongside our communities for the children found, and many more not yet discovered.

As settlers, it’s important for all Canadians to understand the magnitude of the truth of this experience. We will continue to do the work of supporting Indigenous communities and are committed to the work of advancing truth and reconciliation. 

While we’re working to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories and ongoing contemporary injustices we have compiled a list of resources to share with our community.  

Resources: 

• The Government of Canada provides a basic breakdown of Truth and Reconciliation Day 
• The Government of Ontario provides more learning tools and reflection on how you can support Indigenous communities
• The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies offers a free online course that explores Indigenous histories 
• Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) provides an in-depth guide on how to observe NT&RD, including some amazing dedicated programming on their channels from September 30 – October 1, 2023
• 22 Modules from the Assembly of First Nations that covers every topic from Language, to Cultural Competence, to Pre-Contact history, to Treaties and the Indian Act.
• Two lists of Indigenous podcasts put together by The University of Toronto and The University of British Columbia, aim to tell stories from an Indigenous perspective. 
• Extensive book list to help talk about residential schools with kids 
• An overview of the residential school system
• Learn more about the Calls to Action from The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Educate yourself with these self-learning resources from WRHA Indigenous Health
• A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for all those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services can be accessed by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419. 
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-721-0066. 
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line, offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada at 1-855-242-3310.