The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was included in the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's final report. This newly created federal holiday is intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and heritage of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
We encourage you to also create time and space on September 30, and in the future, to reflect on the ways we can all participate in reconciliation.
Below are suggestions and resources to assist you in this journey. This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but it will help you get started.
Events
- Join MCC BC on May 27 - 29, 2022 as we Walk in the Spirit of Reconciliation. The walk takes participants from Fort Langley, to the site of St.Mary's Residential School in Mission. Find out more here.
Listen
- Listen to the stories of residential school Survivors from A Day to Listen
- To MCC Canada's podcast, Honouring treaties with peacebuilding with Adrian Jacobs, Ganosono of the Turtle Clan, Cayuga Nation of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Read
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- Read the Legacy of Hope Foundation’s collection of stories from a wider spectrum of schools
- Read Murray Sinclair on reconciliation, anger, unmarked graves and a headline for this story
- Read They Came for the Children
Watch
- Visit orangeshirtday.org to watch the video and hear the full story about Phyllis Webstad and her experience. Watch other videos of Murray Sinclair and Kulpi7 Fred Robbins share about the impacts of Indian Residential School.
- Watch the CBC “Beyond 94” Videos
Participate
- Participate in events and activities offered by partners and other community leaders:
Contact Bridget Findlay, MCC BC Indigenous Neighbours Program Coordinator at 604-850-6639 or by email at bridgetfindlay@mccbc.ca