Resources and Activities for awareness around the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
by Indspire – Goal: within a decade, every Indigenous student will graduate
It has been 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded its work, and this is the fifth year we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools while honouring survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities.
It’s never too early to learn about reconciliation. Read on for age-appropriate resources and activities to help guide your family in these conversations.
Resources For Adults
Where we are today. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s final report and 94 Calls to Action. The TRC was established to document the history and impact of residential schools and to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. While progress has been made, many of the Calls to Action remain unfulfilled, highlighting the ongoing work needed for true reconciliation.
Understanding:
Visit Canadian Heritage’s site for information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Tune in to All My Relations, a podcast that explores Indigenous identity and relationships with land, place, nation, non-human relatives, and one another.
Enroll in Indigenous Canada, a free course offered by the University of Alberta that explores Indigenous histories and issues in Canada.
Watch Bringing Our Children Home: Reflecting On Our Shared History, a video series hosted by Reconciliation Canada. Learn from expert panellists as they examine reconciliation in Canada and explore ideas that are shaping the future of our country.
Resources for Families with Older Children (Ages 12-17) 📚
Interactive Learning
Encourage your middle or high schooler to write a journal entry, poem, or short story about the history of residential schools and the importance of truth and reconciliation. They can choose one of these quotes as a starting point for reflection:
👉 “Reconciliation is not an aboriginal problem; it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us.” – Hon. Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
👉 “We have to recognize and navigate the darkness before we can see the light.” – Shayla Oulette-Stonechild
👉 “The past cannot be changed, but the future is in our hands to shape.”– Chief Wilton Littlechild, Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner
Understanding
Older children and teens can dive into more complex narratives that explore the history and impact of residential schools. Books like:
📕 My Name Is Seepeetza by Shirley Sterling
📙 A Girl Called Echo (Series) by Katherena Vermette
📗 Sugar Falls by David A. Robertson
📘 Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak- Fenton
These books offer powerful insights into the lived experiences of Indigenous children, both directly and indirectly. Discuss these stories together, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and justice.
Resources for Families with Elementary-Aged Children (Ages 3-11) 📚
Interactive Learning
The free guides below from the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society are a great resource for kids, introducing them to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. Work through the guide and corresponding activity book together—you might learn something new, too!
Download Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
Download Spirit Bear’s Guide to Reconciliation, 2024 Activity Book
Storytime with Purpose
Introduce your children to the history of residential schools with books like The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad, Stolen Words by Melanie Florence, or Shi-shi-etko by Nicola I. Campbell. These stories gently open the door to conversations about the experiences of Indigenous children at residential schools. As you read, ask guiding questions, and encourage your children to share their own.
Creative Expression
Engage your children in an art project that encourages them to reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, and why it’s important to honour the stories of residential school survivors. Some ideas to consider include:
- Engage your child in designing their own orange “Every Child Matters” shirt. Use fabric markers or paint to decorate a plain orange t-shirt; alternatively, create posters using paper and any art supplies you may have on hand.
- Paint rocks in remembrance of the children who never came home. Take a walk together in a local park or conservation area and leave the rocks along your route. Use this time to share Indigenous stories about the land, honouring the rich oral traditions that connect many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to the natural world.
Here are some sources of Indigenous crafted goods. At most of these places at this time of year you will find tee-shirts for the upcoming
Sept 30 Orange Tee-shirt day.
In person:
I.A.M.Collective https://iamcollective.ca/
The Indigenous Artisans Market Collective (I.A.M.Collective) is a community of 42 local Indigenous creatives, with members from varying nations across Turtle Island. You can find them every Saturday 8 am – 3pm at Old Strathcona Farmers Market, at many Edmonton festivals, or at Fort Edmonton Park (POP UP Store set up inside the Indigenous Peoples Experience building.
Open May till late Oct. for Summer Season WENS – SUN 10-5pm
Oct till March for Winter Season SAT & SUN 12-4 pm
The Grow Centre Home | Grow Centre
The Grow Centre on Whyte Avenue is an Indigenous run co-working and workshop space. The owner and operator (also the owner of Nikawiy Handmade) often has pop-up shops throughout the year featuring local Indigenous artists.
Kookum’s House Kookum’s House | YEG (@kookumshouse) • Instagram photos and videos
Kookum’s House is a retail and educational brick and mortar business based in Edmonton that provides quality, handmade, organically and locally sourced smudge kits, sprays, candles. Discover a wide array of products along with educational workshops & tutorials on ceremony protocols and proper use of the four medicines.
E1, 9909 72 Avenue
Old Tribes
Located in Millwoods Town Centre, Old Tribes offers stunning handmade jackets, alpaca blankets, face masks, ponchos and more. Here, you’ll find craftsmanship that can’t be beat. Stop by the shop or order online! https://www.oldtribes.com/
Indigenous Shopping Guide | Explore Edmonton
https://exploreedmonton.com/articles/indigenous-shopping
Online:
Indigenous Marketing Store 100% Indigenous owned, Indigenous Artists
Indigenous Marketing is a subsidiary of Naut’sa mawt Resources Group, the economic development arm of the Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council. Established in 2016, our mission is clear: to generate ethical income that directly supports the ten Member Nations represented by the Tribal Council.
https://shop.indigenousmarketing.ca/
INAC Apparel – Indigenous Nations Apparel Company Orange Shirt Day Collection |
With every purchase, INAC donates to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on the purchaser’s behalf.
https://inac.ca/collections/orange-shirt-day-products
OldTribes | Handmade Apparel