In response to Calls to Action #92, we are committed to Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
The following is collection of links and resources that are intended to educate and spark conversations amongst our staff, families and professional community. We do not claim the links provided are exhaustive or complete, but we will hope that they will help to carry these conversations forward.
Monday, September 27th: Treaties, Land Claims & Unceded Territory
Read:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report: Specifically Calls to Action #92 for Business
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation Canada: For up-to-date status reports on each Call to Action
Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation Canada
Watch:
NCTR: We Are All Treaty People with Elder Harry Bone and Commissioner Loretta Ross: 10:30 AM CST
Wampum Belt: A Nation to Nation Relationship
The Wampum Belt: A Nation to Nation Relationship
Act:
Learn the history of the Indigenous territories on which you live, work and play.
Whose Land: Interactive map to learn about territories
Tuesday, September 28th: Language and Culture
Read:
Robin Wall Kimmerer – Returning the Gift
Kimmerer - Returning the Gift
“What if signage can also have a dual purpose? In collaboration with the community’s Chief and Council, we decided we would use the interior signage to also teach the students about the culture and history of the community.”
Read the blog post from Caroline Bosc here: Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign - Caroline Bosc
Watch:
NCTR: Twice Colonized with Aaju Peter: 12:00 PM CST
Self Care Teachings with Gerry Ambers (ʼNa̱mǥis / Kwakwaka'wakw)
Self Care Teachings with Gerry Ambers
Act:
Learn the traditional place names in Indigenous languages and the meaning or origin.
Stories from the Land: Indigenous Place Names in Canada: Interactive map on Indigenous place names
Wednesday, September 29th: Truth & Reconciliation
Read:
The Soul Wounds of the Anishinabek People: The Psychological and Intergenerational Impacts of the Indian Residential School
The Soul Wounds | Circle for Reconciliation
Watch:
NCTR: Speaking Our Truth: A Conversation with the Indigenous Children’s Writer Monique Gray Smith and TRC Honorary Witness/CBC Journalist Shelagh Rogers – 12:00PM CST
Wawahte: Stories of Residential School Survivors
Wawahte: Stories of Residential School Survivors: FULL DOCUMENTARY
Act:
Research the location(s) of the closest residential school(s) and learn/consider the impact they have had on Indigenous peoples.
NCTR Interactive Map: Residential Schools
Thursday, September 30th: Orange Shirt Day
Read:
David Carpenter – The Education of Augie Merasty
The Education of Augie Merasty | CBC Books
Watch:
NCTR: Beyond Orange Shirt Day with Phyllis Webstad – 10:30AM CST
We Were Children
In this feature film, the profound impact of the Canadian government’s residential school system is conveyed through the eyes of two children who were forced to face hardships beyond their years. As young children, Lyna and Glen were taken from their homes and placed in church-run boarding schools, where they suffered years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, the effects of which persist in their adult lives. We Were Children gives voice to a national tragedy and demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
We Were Children (Trailer) by Tim Wolochatiuk - NFB
Act:
Commit to creating an environment that is respectful and inclusive.
In Victoria, BC, the Songhees Nation have a “safe-distance” walking tour departing from Ship Point at 12 noon and 1pm every Saturday and Sunday. One can also visit the kiosk tent at Ship Point Friday-Sunday weekly to view Songhees art, pick up some bannock and learn more about Songhees culture.
Friday, October 1st: Knowledge Transfer
Read:
Richard Wagamese – Indian Horse
Indian Horse | CBC Books
Watch:
NCTR: Two Eyed Seeing, a Mi'kmaw Perspective with Albert Marshall – 10:30AM CST
Act:
Continue your education by completing the free Indigenous Canada course through the University of Alberta: Indigenous Canada | Coursera
Continue the conversation and learning by talking to Indigenous and non-Indigenous friends and family about the residential school system and its impacts.
