On September 30th, we ask members of our campus community to wear orange and memorialize the children lost to the Canadian residential school system and take time to honour survivors, their families, and their communities. Below you will find a list of learning resources curated by our Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Michelle Scott, to help you understand the importance of this day and learn more about what the spirit of reconciliation means and how you can play a role in reconciliation.

Why do we wear Orange Shirts on September 30th?

Read about Phyllis Webstad and her story here:

https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

And learn more about the National day for Truth and Reconciliation here:

https://nctr.ca/education/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2/

Next Steps 

  • Ask the uncomfortable questions as you place yourself in the conversation
  • Consult resources – see list below for places to start
  • Talk with others in your circle
  • Share your Journey #truthandreconciliation #everychildmatters #MyReconciliationIncludes
  • Attend StMU’s Intercultural Capacity Workshop: Indigenous Relations on November 8 from 9-12.

Resources for our learning journey 

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

Find out more here, including a weeklong educational online event for Truth and Reconciliation Week Sept 26-Sept 30 at the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/education/trw/

Videos:

On Residential Schools:

CBC The National: Stolen Children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdR9HcmiXLA

National Film Board of Canada: https://www.nfb.ca/channels/residential-schools/

Centering a local context:

Elder in the Making: http://elderinthemaking.com/

Access the film (which the Indigenous Initiatives office has rights to show in class) and is divided into 6 parts on YOUTUBE:

Part 1:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYglFfTG0TE

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwXqORQi-8&t=541s

Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL-B6SltLvs

Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTTRGAbZSBw

Part 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7SR3ssZo8A

Part 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sw2cJzisks&t=49s

Listen :

CBC Indigenous Podcasts:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/podcasts-cbc-listen-national-indigenous-history-month-1.6076495

Read:

Timeline of Residential Schools: https://nctr.ca/exhibits/residential-school-timeline/

Truth and Reconciliation Final Report (2015). Introduction. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Executive Summary, (pp. 1-25). http://www.trc.ca/about-us/trc-findings.html

TRC 94 Calls to Action: https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

The full text of the Papal Apology here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/pope-francis-maskwacis-apology-full-text-1.6531341