National Day for Truth & Reconciliation 2023

Ways to observe, participate and learn more

First established in 2021, September 30th marks Canada’s third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action.

This is a day to reflect, honour and remember the survivors, their families, communities, and others affected by the residential school system while calling upon each of us to take responsibility for building understanding and better relationships and recommit to recognizing the rights of Indigenous, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Below are a few ways you can observe, learn, listen, and deepen your understanding of the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and what meaningful truth and reconciliation should look like:

WEAR ORANGE FOR ORANGE SHIRT DAY:

September 30^th is Orange Shirt Day. Learn more here about the origin and history of this day and why we were orange as a symbol.

ATTEND AN EVENT IN THE EDMONTON AREA:

Orange Shirt Day Community Walk
- Organization Name: Standing Together
- Location: Mary Burlie Park (10465 97 Street NW) to Giovanni Caboto Park (9425 109A Ave)
- Time: Noon-4 pm

Empowering Our Spirits
- Location: Boyle Street Plaza, 9538 103A Avenue, Edmonton
- Organization Name: Community partners
- Time: Noon-3 pm and 5-10 pm

Find more events happening throughout the day listed by The City of Edmonton here: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023

READ & LEARN:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Canada: Learn about the legacy of the Indian Residential School system through interactive and educational resources.
Learn about and embrace Métis cultural activities here from the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Truth the Reconciliation Commission and 94 Calls to Action
Implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Explore Indigenous cultures and stories shared by the Government of Canada.
We have catalogued many incredible books by Indigenous authors. Check them out HERE
Orange Shirt Society
Edmonton Public Library – Mâmawôayâwin (Indigenous Services)

WATCH AND LISTEN:

SUPPORT:

Indian Residential School Crisis Line	1-866-925-4419 (toll-free)
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line	1-855-242-3310 Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line	1-877-303-2642 (toll-free)
Canadian Mental Health Association – 24-hour Distress Line	780-482-4357 (HELP)

Connect With Us

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize we are gathered, in collaboration and with joint purpose, on Treaty 6 territory. This territory is the traditional home and gathering place for diverse Indigenous peoples. The nêhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux/Ojibwe), Nakota Isga (Nakota Sioux), Inuit, and Métis, among many others cared for this land since time immemorial and continue to steward it today. As visitors in this territory, we honour the importance of the Treaty and our responsibility to these communities. Only in partnership can we create the changes necessary to end homelessness. It is vital we meaningfully engage and partner with Indigenous people and communities in this work while recognizing and addressing the conditions brought forth by colonialism. Displacement from traditional homelands, systemic racism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in child welfare, correctional systems, and homelessness are responsibilities we all share.