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.
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
Greater Sudbury Public Library book recommendations
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
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)