National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Learning the TRUTH your way, so You Can ACT
September 30 marks the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). First recognized in 2021, this day was established by the federal government to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the survivors, their families and communities. Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, it is an opportunity to bring awareness to the painful legacy and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to collectively advocate for social justice and critical system changes.
Reconciliation – everyone’s responsibility
Leading up to the NDTR, all people of Canada are strongly encouraged to take the time to learn and reflect on the meaning of this day. It is a chance to ask what each one of us can do to promote Indigenous health, rights, and reconciliation (IHRR) – not just on September 30, but every day. It is also an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, to actively participate in Indigenous community events or learning activities, and to make a personal and professional commitment to learn the TRUTH so you can conscientiously ACT to advance IHRR.
Here are a few examples of activities that are easily available to assist you on your journey:
For those of you who like to READ:
- Review the 94 TRC Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples(UNDRIP). Learn how UNDRIP can be applied in a municipal setting – e.g., UNDRIP: Guide for Municipalities.
- Ottawa Public Library – Check out a prepared list of recommended books and other resources to help you and your families learn more about residential schools and possible paths to reconciliation: Adults | Children.
- For those of you who wish to develop a deeper understanding of settler-colonialism and the actions that you can take to ‘untie colonial knots in the health system’, this article is recommended. Then ask yourself, “In my sphere of influence, how am I upholding or undermining IHRR?”
For those of you who prefer to WATCH:
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Join the daily Lunch and Learns from September 23 – 27.
- Aboriginal Peoples Television Network – APTN offers an interesting lineup of programs on September 30, which aim to both educate and inspire – e.g., Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024.
- National Film Board (NFB) – Explore the many short documentaries included in the NFB’s Indigenous Cinemacollection.
Or if you prefer a more EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING approach:
- National Arts Centre: Days for Truth & Reconciliation – Join one of the NAC’s all-age virtual and in-person offerings, highlighting the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, their cultures, communities, and stories.
- Participate in an in-person or virtual gathering on Parliament Hill on September 30 that is hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR).
- Explore the Reconciling History Walking Tour, a free, self-guided journey through downtown Ottawa.
- Canadian Museum of History – Attend an in-person event at the museum on Thursday, September 26 (1:00 – 2:30 pm) to hear community perspectives on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Click on this link to register.
- Learn about Indigenous issues from an Indigenous author at the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival – e.g., an evening with Tanya Talaga where she discusses her new book, The Knowing, a riveting exploration of her family’s story and a retelling of the history of the country we now call Canada. Click here for free tickets to this event that takes place on September 30 at 7 pm.
