Truth + Reconciliation in Canada

Saturday, September 30th, 2023 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is meant to recognize the legacy of residential schools where tens of thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and forced to attend classes that separated them from their culture. Mass gravesites continue to be found with thousands of bodies at these former “schools.” As a result, the day has been created so we can reflect on the atrocities this nation committed against its original inhabitants. This is not just a historical issue, but it is a current issue. Our government has a responsibility to do more and so do we.

It is important for everyone to take time to reflect and continue to educate ourselves. Reflect upon those who died in Residential school system and survivors who have lived.

We will be showing solidarity by all wearing Orange Shirts from September 25 - October 3, and the proceeds from these shirts will go to The Orange Shirt Society. If you would like to make a personal contribution to the Orange Shirt Society, we welcome you to donate in any WAXON location September 25 through to October 3. The Orange Shirt Society works to:

- Support Residential School Reconciliation

- Create awareness of the impacts of Residential schools on individuals, their families and community through activities.

- Create awareness of the concept of "Every Child Matters"

APPLE APP STORE/GOOGLE PLAY APPS:

• Whose Land – used to learn about the territory your home or business is situated on, and for land acknowledgement

• Indigenous Reconciliation – Government of Canada partnership app between the Canada School of Public Service and the Department of National Defence, highlighting reconciliation efforts and initiatives with the Public Federal Service.

• Coursera: Learn New Skills – Access theIndigenous Canadacourse for free through the University of Alberta Faculty of Native Studies. 12 lessons, exploring Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.

• Speak Mohawk – Learn to speak Mohawk with this free app from Six Nations Polytechnic

• Forgotten Métis – Most of the 180,000 Canadian Aboriginal children who were forced into to attend Residential Schools experienced
  abuse and neglect. This projectdocuments and gives voice to the experience’s of many Métis children who attended these schools and explores Métis identity, cultural reclamation, and healing.

• @shenativegoods
• @motherearthessentials
• @reclaimyourpower
• @cheekbonebeauty
• @raven_reads
• dahaccy – Aboriginal Heal
• @satyaorganic
• @2spiritstoronto
• @oncanadaproject
• @relentless_indigenous_woman
• @minitipi
• @nativeartsociety
• @decolonizemyself - First Nations Person Journey. Exploring colonization, decolonization, healing, & culture
• @theindigenousfoundation The Indigenous Foundation. A collective of Indigenous/POC women, 2S, and Non-BinaryFolk focussed on bringing awareness to indigenous groups and rights
• aptn_ca – APTN, Aboriginal People’s Television Network
• aptnnews – APTN, Aboriginal People’s Television Network News
• native_womens_recource_centre – Native Women’s Resource Centre
• indigwomenlead – Indigenous Women Leadership Summit page
• tasscofficial – Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council
• indigenous.waves – Indigenous Waves Radio Show
• wematterorg – We Matter Campaign. A campaign to remind indigenous youth that YOU Matter, and can get through anything.

• @recycldstardust
• @guicutmen
• @asinaabe
• @wildojibwecreation (also on insta)
• @auntiejase
• @chrisyellowbird

Holy Angels – Amazon Prime Video

In this short 14 minute documentary, Lena Wandering Spirit tells the story of when Lena was one of the more than 150,000 Indigenous Children who were removed from their families and sent to the residential school. Free on Amazon Prime Video.

There’s Something In The Water – Netflix

This documentary spotlights the struggle of minority/Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia as they fight officials over the lethal effects of industrial waste. Free on Netflix.

We Were Children – Amazon Prime Video

As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools. The trauma of this experience was made worse by years of untold physical, sexual and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. The profound impact of the Canadian government's residential school system is conveyed unflinchingly through their eyes. Free on Amazon Prime Video.

READ:

1. A Long and Terrible Shadow by Thomas Berger 
2. From The Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle
3. Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation by Monique Gray Smith 

LISTEN:

Indigenous Waves Radio Show 6:00PM-7:00PM on Mondays

Indigenous Waves is a celebration of Indigenous cultures; locally, nationally and globally. Through music, storytelling, interviews, panel discussions, art, and humour we explore the diversity of Indigenous Peoples.