National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools and their families and communities. This day coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day at a residential school, Phyllis was forced to give away her orange shirt. Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 acknowledges the wrongful act of stripping away generations of Indigenous children’s culture and freedom.
 
On September 30, Brightspot will be taking the day away from our screens to participate in activities that increase our understanding and awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools. We invite everyone to join us in some of the following activities:
  • Indigenous Awareness 101 – EcoCanada: An introduction to the histories, cultures, and issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada. With over 1.6 million people in Canada identifying as Indigenous, it is essential to recognize the heritage, diversity, and rights of Indigenous Nations. The histories, traditions, and beliefs of Indigenous communities are unique, and all cultures are integral to Canada. This webinar is designed for people who want to learn more about Indigenous peoples and support the reconciliation efforts in Canada.
  • Colouring it Forward Reconciliation Society (CIFRS) – Indigenous art exhibit, blessing ceremony, traditional dance and musical performance in Calgary.
  • Indigenous Canada – A free online course offered through the University of Alberta. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
    • Orange Shirt Day 2021 Public Virtual Tour Screening
    • Orange Shirt Day 2021 Public Truth and Reconciliation Workshop
    • Several other events on September 30 and ongoing through the year.
    • Chief Dr. Wilton Littlechild, former TRC Commissioner
    • Dr. Marie Wilson, Reconciliation Consultant and former TRC Commissioner
    • Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, University of Manitoba
    • Chief Cadmus Delorme, Cowessess First Nation
    • Daniel Quan-Watson, Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
    • Christiane Fox, Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada
    • Gina Wilson, Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and Deputy Minister, Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Canadian Heritage
    • Ed Azure, Knowledge Keeper, Manitoba
    • Elder Betty McKenna, Saskatchewan
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – A unique one-hour, commercial-free special that honours the stories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land. Available on CBC.

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