National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
September 30th is The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a Canadian holiday to recognize the ongoing legacy and dark history of residential schools and the trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples across Canada. As Canadians, it is important that we take part in reconciliation efforts and work with Indigenous peoples to build a better future together. Reconciliation is the process of developing a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Canada. Reconciliation is about working together to overcome the devasting effects of colonization and intergenerational impacts experienced by Indigenous people.
How can I participate in Reconciliation?
Get to know the First Nation, Inuit, and Metis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions locally.
Read books by Indigenous authors.
Watch movies about Indigenous people and by Indigenous filmmakers.
Attend local Indigenous speaker series, art shows, and cultural events open to the public.
To become more informed, we’ve shared some website resources below:
Every Child Matters and Orange Shirt Day info: https://orangeshirtday.org
University of British Columbia Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre: https://irshdc.ubc.ca/whats-on-2/events/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/
Truth and Reconciliation Report: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525
The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples
B.C.’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/indigenous-people/new-relationship/united-nations-declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples
BC Assembly of First Nations: https://www.bcafn.ca/
To learn more about the lands you occupy, visit the interactive global digital map system: https://native-land.ca/