Truth and Reconciliation - #RememberHonourAct

Friday September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is a federal statutory holiday that was declared in 2021 in order to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is also intended to be a day for Canadians to learn about and better understand the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, as well as participate in the reconciliation process.
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Second Story Women's Centre will be closed to reflect on and observe the day, and we wanted to share some resources to help folks with their learning and reflection as well. #RememberHonourAct challenges us to remember our history, honour those who have been lost to and harmed by residential schools, and commit to action towards reconciliation.

For non-Indigenous people, a good place to start is to read or re-read the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. How many CTAs can you put into action, start working towards or otherwise support in your personal life, and the wider communities that you are a part of?

Events

• ​Truth and Reconciliation Day & Treaty Day Mawio’mi - September 30 & October 1, Liverpool NS. Speakers, Survivors and Elders sharing lived experiences. Mikmaw dancing, drumming and singing. Everyone is welcome. All events are free. For full details, visit the Facebook event page.
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30, Bridgewater NS. Beginning at 11 a.m. there will be a ceremony of remembrance at Pijinuiskaq Park on King Street in Downtown Bridgewater. The event has been organized by Acadia First Nation and members of the local 143 Construction Engineering Flight, with the support of the Town of Bridgewater. More information is available here, on this Facebook post. The Town of Bridgewater is also planning to livestream the ceremony through the Town's Facebook page.
• Orange Shirt Day / Truth & Reconciliation Day - September 30, former site of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Activities planned from 12 - 6 pm, including smudging ceremony, drumming, community feast meal.

Online Events, Panels, Discussions

• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has planned an entire week of live programming on its Youtube channel which will be available to watch after the sessions have concluded for anyone who may have missed the live event. Check out the full public schedule here.
• Indigenous Perspectives on the Pope's Apology - Live online panel hosted by the Gord Downey & Chanie Wenjack Fund. "The papal visit in July 2022 resulted in mixed emotions for many Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. Join us on September 30th at 1:00 pm ET to hear directly from those who were involved in and affected by the Pope’s visit in Treaty Six Territory. Learn more about what the apology means to those impacted by residential schools, its effects on reconciliation, and how this will shape Indigenous communities and intergenerational relationships across Turtle Island." Friday, September 30 at 2 pm AST (1pm EST). Learn more and register at this link. 

For Kids

• The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada has a number of resources geared towards children, including Spirit Bear! In fact, their short film Spirit Bear and Children Make History has been made available to watch online, free of charge until October 1, 2022.
• Every Child Matters colouring pages - Created by Hawlii Pichette, a Mushkego Cree artist and illustrator from Peetabeck Treaty 9 territory.​

Other Links to Support Truth and Reconciliation Beyond September 30

• Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Survivor profiles from the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
• Why do we wear orange shirts on September 30? Learn the origins of Orange Shirt Day, which preceded National Truth and Reconciliation day.
• A residential school suggested reading list from NSCC
• Indigenous Ally Toolkit / Decolonial Toolbox from the Montreal Indigenous Community Network
• ​Follow the Native Woman's Association of Canada on your social media accounts and/or sign up for their newsletter to follow this organization's work.

Finally, a reminder that the Indian Residential School Survivor Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. The NS Mi'kmaq Crisis and Referral Line is available at 1-855- 379-2099. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides experienced and culturally competent counsellors to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Their number is 1-855-242-3310. Online chat is also available at hopeforwellness.ca.