On September 30, Canadians will be marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour and reflect upon the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, as well as a time for settlers to reflect on taking action to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples and build a better future together. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
As members of an educational institution, our efforts to affirm and respect Indigenous peoples and their rights are particularly important as education, through residential schools, contributed to the intergenerational traumas experienced by Indigenous peoples.
In past years, the day has been marked as Orange Shirt Day, which is an Indigenous-led commemorative day that honours the children who survived Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of six year-old, Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, who wore a new orange shirt on her first day of school, only to have the shirt taken from her and replaced with a uniform. The Orange Shirt is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. Webstad published a book about her experience called The Orange Shirt Story. At the core of the book is the message that every child matters.
The University of Toronto is planning a number of events to commemorate the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. These include a virtual event on September 30 hosted by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Indigenous Student Services and Hart House featuring a video about Webstad and a talk by the award-winning Indigenous author, teacher, and poet, Lee Maracle.
In the spirit of reconciliation, I encourage all students, staff and faculty members of KPE to wear orange on September 30, to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of survivors. While classes will continue as planned tomorrow, you are encouraged to attend Truth and Reconciliation events where your schedule permits and to spend some time reflecting on your own efforts towards reconciliation. A selection of resources and events are listed below:
Resources
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
- Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre
- Research First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions to society
- Support local Indigenous artists and businesses
- Honour treaties – visit ontario.ca/page/treaties and native-land.ca
- Learn about the significance of land acknowledgements and learn the one in your area “Land acknowledgements: uncovering an oral history of Tkaronto Opens in new window via Local Love
- Access the Indigenous Resource Guide curated by NSCC Libraries
- Read books – the Toronto Public Library curated a list of Indigenous must-reads
- Watch films and documentaries that reflect on the residential school experience – the National Film Board of Canada offers a rich collection of Indigenous-made films
- Support local Indigenous artists and businesses
- Support the reclamation of identity, language and culture and learn greetings/phrases in Indigenous languages
Participate
Attend Indigenous cultural events open to the public, such as:
- Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – In the Spirit of Reconciliation : Georgian College, in partnership with Indigenous Services, presents a virtual conversation with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Hearings, about what post-secondary institutions can do to honour the spirit of reconciliation
- Sept. 30, 7 p.m.: Shining a light on the Indian Residential School Legacy : an evening of teaching with Sandra Campbell, presented by Toronto Urban Native Ministry ($10, registration required)
- Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Honouring Indigenous Survivors event at Yonge-Dundas Square, organized by Matriarchal Circle
- Sept. 30, 3 p.m. onwards: Unity Jam Concert and Pay-What You Can BBQ at Dufferin Grove Park, organized by 1492 Land Back Lane
- Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: Rising Hearts virtual 5K Remembrance Run
With best wishes,
Gretchen Kerr, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education