On September 30, NASA will participate in the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). This day was established in 2021 by the Government of Canada in response to call to action 80 of the Calls to Action from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The aim of the day is to create a statutory holiday to honour the Survivors, their families, and communities, while ensuring that the history and impact of residential schools are publicly recognized as a key element of the reconciliation process.
NASA encourages its members to take this time to reflect on the intergenerational trauma experienced by survivors of the residential school system. It's also an opportunity for members to consider how they can contribute to reconciliation by responding to the TRC’s Calls to Action.
NASA's Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee (EDI) and Political Action Committee (PAC) have compiled some ideas on where you can start:
- Read the reports and recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) website for educational resources and for details about Truth and Reconciliation Week events.
- Take UAlberta’s free Indigenous Canada 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies.
- Confirm your commitment to indigenization of UAlberta.
- Wear an orange T-shirt and take time to read and reflect on Phyllis Webstad's story.
- Take part in the Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk on September 30.
- Watch Andrea Menard’s video "September 30th: Reflecting in Truth Toward Reconciliation." Andrea is Lead Educational Developer for Indigenizing Curricula and Pedagogies.
- View the videos that were produced for First Peoples’ House and watch Native American movies and TV shows to watch and learn about Indigenous history and culture.
- Join Edmonton Public Library's initiatives to build community.
- Read Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan.
- Watch a national commemorative gathering broadcast live from Parliament Hill on September 30 at 1:00 pm MT.
- Have conversations with family members and friends about the importance of observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- The Royal Alberta Museum features many objects and stories that are from and about local Indigenous cultures, and the NDTR is a perfect time to visit. The RAM offers free admission year-round to Indigenous peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.
- Watch National Film Board (NFB) films and the Kule web series to learn more about the legacy of residential schools.
A reminder that the University of Alberta will be closed for regular operations in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, 2024