National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Federal Government has declared September 30 a new statutory holiday - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour survivors, their families and communities.
Residents are encouraged to attend community events and ceremonies marking the day, learn more about residential schools, consider what each of us can do to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and recommit to understanding the truth of our shared history.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events for 2023
City of Greater Sudbury and Community Partners Event
In collaboration with community partners, CGS is hosting a morning of sharing to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Bell Park on Thursday, September 28.
A sacred fire will be lit around 7:30 a.m. and presentations begin at 10:15 a.m.
N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre
- 2- Day Community Event at N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre’s Sacred Land on September 27 and 30
- Walk from the Friendship Centre to Bell Park to honour the children who never made it home, and the residential school survivors. The walk begins at 9 a.m. from 110 Elm St on September 28.
More information on their Facebook page.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Public Lunch and Learns
More information available on eventbrite.
Wahnapitae First Nation
Every Child Matters: Truth & Reconciliation Day Awareness Walk & Ceremony
Saturday, September 30, at 10:30 a.m. with ceremony at the Sacred Pow-Wow Grounds followed by a memorial walk to Maan Doosh Gamig for a community feast and activities. Everyone is welcome.
More information at facebook.com/wahnapitaefirstnation
Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 29 at the Atikameksheng Hub (66 Elm St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Honour the children who never made it home, and those that did. Tie-dye shirt making workshop, luminere making workshop, lunch and a safe place.
More information at facebook.com/AtikamekshengA
Laurentian University
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Symposium on September 29 from 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. at Laurentian University in the ISLC round room, with Roger Chum, Tanya Talaga, and John Milloy. No registration required.
More information at facebook.com/laurentian
Resources
Below are some useful links and resources to increase your awareness and help answer questions you may have. This resource list is a good place to start but there are many other great resources available as well.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Education Resources
Anishnabek Nation Educational Resources
The Seven Grandfather Teachings
17 books to read for Orange Shirt Day
Canadian National Film Board – Indigenous Film & Residential Schools
What Have you Heard? – an Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario resource
How to Become an Indigenous Ally
Greater Sudbury Public Library has books, ebooks, audiobooks and more to help patrons learn about residential schools and their impact.
- Adult Indigenous Reads
- Children and Teen Indigenous Reads: Part 1
- Children and Teen Indigenous Reads: Part 2
Films:
- Indian Horse (Stephen Campanelli)
- Smoke Signals (Chris Eyre)
- Rhymes for Young Ghouls (Jeff Barnaby)
- Reel Injun (Neil Diamond)
- The Grizzlies (Miranda de Pencier)
Additional Books:
- From the Ashes (Jesse Thistle)
- Johnny Appleseed (Joshua Whitehead)
- Anything by Thomas King
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (Sherman Alexie)
- Indian Horse (Richard Wagamese)
- Moon of the Crusted Snow (Waubgeshig Rice)
- Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing or The Rez Sisters (Tomson Highway)
- Split Tooth (Tanya Tagaq)
- Seven Fallen Feathers (Tanya Talaga)
- Bad Endings (Carleigh Baker)
- A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada)