Please join us on the continuing journey of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Friday, September 30th 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 26thto October 17th and the proceeds 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. Donations will be accepted until Oct 17th. 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"
Learn more about the Orange Shirt Society Here
We have put together a few resources that help raise awareness and inspire conversations around the history and legacies of the residential school system in Canada.
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.. I highly recommend this for whomever is interested!
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.
FOLLOW & SUPPORT:
On Instagram:
EVENTS:
Live event organized and led by Indigenous Women and Children at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. It will be live streamed from 10am-12pm on September 30thand available to watch afterwards as well.
SITES TO EXPLORE:
WATCH:
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:
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.
Unrooted, a podcast by The Indigenous Foundation
The Indigenous Foundation is proud to present Unrooted, a podcast focussed on centring Indigenous voices and stories. Through Unrooted, we hope to dismantle systems of oppression and “uproot” the deeply ingrained issues and racism that exist against Indigenous peoples to this day. We hope to share intersectional, holistic perspectives and experiences through speaking with Indigenous and Afro-indigenous advocates and change-makers.
SHOP:
WAXON CARES:
A company wide seminar on November 28th with Shannon from Niswi Kwe Consulting who will present “Cultural Awareness”:
This workshop will provide awareness of Indigenous community’s history, the impacts of today and the journey for tomorrow. It will highlight Truth and Reconciliation, Murder and Missing Women and Girls and Every Child Matters reports and campaigns. In discussion with participants, we will unpack what it means to be an ally and how we walking together for the futures of our child, families and communities.
We hope you will join us in honouring the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Team WAXON
xo
