09/29/2021
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St. Clare’s is closing its offices on September 30th in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For those of us who are settlers on this land, you may be looking for information about the day, and for how to participate intentionally.
What is the day for?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honor residential school survivors - those who made it home and those who did not. On the 30th we hold space for all those who have lost a loved one, their culture, or their traditional homeland. September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day which also honors residential school survivors. This time of year was chosen for both days as it was this time of year that Indigenous children were taken from their families and made to attend residential schools.
Since residential schools are one of many acts of genocide against Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is also a day to acknowledge, heal, and address historical and ongoing behaviour that has harmed indigenous people. Current examples include the murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people, the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in state care, the pipelines and the poisoned water, and the forced sterilizations and disproportionate incarceration of Indigenous people.
Actions to take
The solidarity actions you choose to take are, of course, up to you. Here are some ideas for this week, the 30th, and beyond:
Redistribute/donate time, resources, or money to Indigenous organizations, efforts, and individuals
Although volunteering is harder in COVID, many organizations still request support online and in-person- just try emailing them to ask if you can do anything
Many organizations also accept resource donations such as food, menstrual products, kid’s toys, and clothing (especially as winter nears!)
Here are a few Indigenous-run organizations:
2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Wigwamen
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Native Youth Sexual Health Network
Toronto Birth Centre
Sovereign Bodies Institute
Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction
Here are some efforts happening right now:
Tiny House Warriors
Rainforest Flying Squad/Fairy Creek Blockade
You can also redistribute/donate directly to Indigenous individuals. You can find folks who need support by:
Typing keywords into twitter like “Indigenous paypal” or “ ”
Learn more
Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission reports
Within the reports you will find the Calls to Action. Choose a call to action you can commit to advocating for and take it on.
Creating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is meant to fulfill Call to Action #80
You can see the progress on all 94 calls to action here
Understand whose land we as non-Indigenous people occupy
Read the Indigenous Ally Toolkit
Take the University of Alberta’s free Indigenous Canada course
Watch and listen to Indigenous experiences and perspectives here and here
Read Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Watch these videos and documentaries:
We Were Children
The Hurt That Binds Us
Colonization Road
Jordan River Anderson, The Messenger
Spirit to Soar
If you are white, work through Layla F. Saad’s Me and White Supremacy
Share what you’re learning with other settlers
Speak with your people (family, loved ones, neighbors, etc) about Indigenous rights and sovereignty and have tough conversations about anti-Indigenous racism and our responsibilities as settlers
Attend an event
Truth and Reconciliation Week
Orange Shirt Day Opening and Virtual Tour of Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre
Two Spirit Tea - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange Shirt Day Vigil
Orange Shirt Day, Honouring Indigenous Survivors
We cannot fix what we do not face. Understanding the truth and working towards reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility.
