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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
An important reminder of the continuous work we must do to ensure Indigenous people and communities are heard, respected and celebrated across Canada everyday.
Photo Source: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“The Survivors’ Flag” an expression of remembrance, meant to honor residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation.
Here are a few resources that can help support continued learning and listening:
Explore The NCTR website, a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honored and kept safe for future generations.
Learn more about the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta - Aboriginal Peoples of Alberta Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
Consider reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and evaluate how some of the 94 Calls to Action might connect to your work.
Use this resource to find out if you live near a former Residential School.
Visit a regional Indigenous museum like Tsuut'ina Museum, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, or Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
Watch Indigenous documentaries such as The Pass System or We Were Children or some Indigenous-made animation films from the NFB.
Watch Standing Alone, a documentary about legendary Kainai cowboy Pete Standing Alone or Indian Horse which is based on a Richard Wagamese novel.
Learn about land acknowledgments. We acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut’ina First Nations Peoples, and the Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3. There are many different ways to do a land acknowledgment, such as this rhyme with sign language created by the Calgary Public Library: Charlie & Henri share a Treaty 7 Land Acknowledgment
Consider visiting Indigenous-created murals through the BUMP Festival or explore amazing artwork by Indigenous artists in the Alberta Foundation of the Art's collection AFA Virtual Museum, Indigenous Collection.
Listen to Indigenous music like blues musician Celeigh Cardinal, country musician Armond Duck Chief, or electronic band The Halluci Nation. Not sure where to start? Listen to Reclaimed on CBC to hear a variety of up-and-coming Indigenous musicians.
Watch Indigenous-created TV such as Tribal (a police drama), and Rutherford Falls (comedy).
Check out Indigo's website or in-store for the Top 10 Indigenous Non-Fiction Reads
Some of the topics can be difficult or triggering. There are resources to support you if you need help. The Indian Residential School Survivor 24-hour crises line: 1.866.925.4419