National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Statement from Greater Sudbury's Early Learning System
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation when Canadians across the country come together to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools and their families and communities. Publicly recognizing the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Children Services division and its Early Learning Partners throughout Greater Sudbury are committed to learning, listening and reflecting on Canada’s past, present and future with Indigenous communities.
We are committed to providing a high-quality early learning and child care system in Greater Sudbury that meets the needs of all families. We know that this cannot be done without Indigenous voices defining what this means for Indigenous children, families and communities.
We support Call to Action #12, one of the 94 Calls to Action created by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which states, “we call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Aboriginal families.”
We are proud to work with Sudbury Better Beginnings Better Futures, Jubilee Heritage Family Resources and the Indigenous-led organizations that partner with them, to offer culturally relevant and inclusive Early Learning programs and services for Indigenous children and families in our community.
We understand that our position as a system of Early Learning services for families in Greater Sudbury comes with the responsibility to recognize the legacy of residential schools and ongoing colonial practices that continues to negatively impact Indigenous children, families and communities today.
Policies and programs in early childhood education and care must recognize the right of Indigenous communities, regardless of their location, to self-determination and access to publicly funded early childhood programs that are spiritually enriched, culturally appropriate and developed through active consultation with Indigenous communities.
Reconciliation requires more than one day of reflection. We are committed to continuously reflect in our work the critical role of early childhood education and care to ensure the well-being of Indigenous communities, to protect and promote Indigenous traditional languages and ways of life, and to honour the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation Day Events
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Science North
TRUTH. RESILIENCY. HOPE. Event at Bell Park- Sept. 30th 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Indigenous Early Learning Programs
Indigenous EarlyON Child & Family Centre Wiingash Gamig at Victory Park- BBBF
705-586-0818 https://www.facebook.com/groups/250167248330479
The Indigenous EarlyON Centre provides programming for families with children, ages six years and under. We offer cultural-based programming, workshops, and services. We are here to support parents, especially with their child's early development, provide access to specialized services, and create a safe environment that offers the opportunity for socialization with other families.
Indigenous Led Program- BBBF
705-671-1941 https://www.facebook.com/groups/645728032919842
The Indigenous Led Program provides culturally relevant and restorative approaches to bringing community members together. In partnership with the Greater Sudbury Early ONs we facilitate activities that involve land-based learning, Indigenous storytelling, songs and drumming. We partner with community members and local agencies to create awareness and reflection of the Indigenous history and culture.
Gchi-Nendmook Anishnabe Binoojiinyik- Licensed Child Care Program- Jubilee
705-674-3334 https://jhfr.ca/child-care/
Jubilee Heritage Family Resources offers an Indigenous Child Care Program, Gchi-Nendmook Anishnabe Binoojiinyik that includes teachings, drumming, language, storytelling, cultural meals and smudging in an early learning environment. We teach the children about the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and we explore the community to learn more about what it has to offer us. We give thanks to the Creator for the medicines that we pick. We create a sense of belonging for all children while they are learning about their culture. Our program is for ages 18 months to six years, and we are the only Anishnabek child care program in Greater Sudbury. Families can register at https://onehsn.com/sudbury .
Resources
We encourage further exploration of the existing 94 Calls to Action as well as other resources from First Nations, Inuit and Métis voices and experiences.
How to talk to kids about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
CBC News, 27 September 2021
Spirit Bear's Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, 2020