National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2022
September 30 marks the second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Learning about truth and reconciliation is something that happens year-round, but this day is a great day to begin if you have not had the opportunity to yet.
Since last year's first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, there have been more potential sites located at Indian Residential School grounds with many more ground searches in progress, and the Pope has issued a formal apology for the actions of the Catholic Church in the Indian Residential School system. These are the first steps of many towards reconciliation.
Below, we've gathered some places to help learn more about Truth and Reconciliation. Some resources shared at available through tpl.ca, and others are events outside of the library that are either free to attend, have registration required, and are either in-person or online.
Resources at the Library
There are many places within the library where you can begin learning more about Truth and Reconciliation, Indian Residential Schools, and learning from Indigenous community members.
Blog Posts
If you want to learn more about Orange Shirt Day, you can check out the Orange Shirt Day 2022 blog post.
If you want to read more about truth and reconciliation, you can check out these blog posts:
Truth and Reconciliation : 5 Years Later
Truth and Reconciliation : A Guide for Newcomers
You can also check out Indigenous documentaries in our collection, Indigenous Music, as well as some new and upcoming books by Indigenous authors from this summer.
Reading Lists
You can find a lot of recommended readings for all ages in our Orange Shirt Day reading list, and the Reading for Reconciliation reading list.
You can also read books by Indigenous authors, illustrators, and knowledge keepers in our Read Indigenous lists.
Programs
You can also regularly check the Indigenous Celebrations page to see upcoming in-person and online programs and watch previously aired online programs.
Events in the City
There are also many events occurring in the City of Toronto this month that are either low-cost or free for the public to attend. Below, I've listed some that I'd recommend checking out.
September 29 & 30, 2022 : Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen Street West, Toronto) from 7 am to 8 pm daily
This event is open to the public, and will include a sunrise ceremony, stage presentations, cultural and education workshops, a marketplace, and food vendors with Indigenous and Indigenous fusion food.
October 1, 2022 : Native Child and Family Services of Toronto 25th Annual Pow Wow
Dufferin Grove Park (875 Dufferin Street, Toronto) from 12 pm to 5 pm
This event is open to the public to attend. You can support Indigenous communities directly by supporting vendors at the pow wow.
October 1, 2022 : Nuit Blanche
This year's Nuit Blanche was curated by Indigenous thought-leader and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts, Collaboration, and Digital Media, Dr. Julie Nagam. Nuit Blanche runs from sunset on October 1 to sunrise on October 2, 2022.
Online Events
September 26 - 30, 2022 : Truth and Reconciliation Week 2022
This is the second annual national online program to learn about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This year's program includes age-appropriate materials for grades 1 through 12. You must register to watch live and pre-recorded sessions, as well as to participate in the Q & A.
September 29, 2022 : Gidinawendimin - We Are All Related
You need to register to attend, but you can livestream this live stage program to see some of best performers share about Indigenous culture, languages, and traditions, as well as hear the truth about the history of Indian Residential Schools, and remembering the children who never came home.
September 30, 2022: Indigenous Perspectives on the Pope's Apology
You need to register to attend, but this livestream will begin at 1:00 pm and will feature panelists who were involved in and affected by the Pope's visit, as well as the meaning of the apology, reconciliation, and more.
Online Resources
Use the CBC Interactive Map of Indian Residential Schools Map to see how far you may be from a residential school.
You can visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Mental Health Support
Learning and talking about Indian Residential Schools and their legacies can cause a lot of strain on one's mental wellbeing. Days like Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation can also be difficult for Indigenous community members. If you need support during these times, please reach out to the following mental health resources.
Resources for everyone
- Crisis Services Canada – you can call them at 1-833-456-4566 or text them at 45645 (for all ages)
- Kids Help Phone – you can call them at 1-800-668-6868 or text them at 686868 (for children)
- Good2Talk – you can call them at 1-866-925-5454 or text "GOOD2TALKON" to 686868 (for postsecondary students)
Resources for Indigenous communities
- Hope for Wellness Helpline – you can call them at 1-855-242-3310, or use the chat box on their website.
- Native Youth Crisis Line – you can call them at 1-877-209-1266.
- National Indian Residential School Crisis Line – you can call them at 1-866-925-4419.
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