September 30 marks the fifth 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.
Numerous community events will be held in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- On September 29, join the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of KSR for a special event where Chief Wilton Littlechild, one of the three Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, will deliver his talk “So, you want to know the TRUTH about Residential Schools.” The presentation will take place from 2:00-4:00 pm in the Van Vliet Complex, VVC 2-215. Please note this talk includes sensitive subject matter.
- On September 30 from 8:30 am-1:30 pm, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is presenting “A Time to Listen”, a free event featuring performances, guest speakers, and reflections. Full details are available on their website.
- On September 30 from 4:00-6:00 pm, Edmonton Short Film Festival and Audreys Books will host free film screenings accompanied by short talks from local Indigenous authors.
- On September 30, Fort Edmonton Park will mark the day with Indigenous cultural experiences. Admission will be free for Indigenous guests. You can reserve tickets online.
- From September 22 to 29, the University of Alberta Library invites you to create an orange heart beaded pin at select locations, reflect on the 94 Calls to Action, and explore resources on residential schools.
- You can find a full listing of events happening in Edmonton by visiting the City of Edmonton's event page. Additional ideas and opportunities to observe the day can also be found through Explore Edmonton.
Here are some resources to learn more about the history and ongoing impact of residential schools:
- The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund is part of Gord Downie's legacy and embodies his commitment, and that of his family, to improving lives of First Peoples in Canada. In collaboration with the Wenjack Family, the goal of the Fund is to continue the conversation that began with Chanie Wenjack’s residential school story, and to aid our collective reconciliation journey through a combination of awareness, education, and action.
- Learn about Jordan’s Principle, a child-first principle to ensure First Nations children get the services they need when they need them.
- Read the novel Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- Read the memoir A Two Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder by Ma-nee Chacaby with Mary Louisa Plummer