National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Learning resources for Newcomers

Every year on September 30, Canada observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This is a day of reflection to honour and remember the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and never returned, the families left behind, and the Survivors of residential schools.

Residential schools operated all across Canada for over 100 years. The last schools closed only recently in the 1990s. These schools were created to remove Indigenous children from their families and communities, forcing them to abandon their traditions, cultural practices, and languages.

Why wear orange?
September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor. Phyllis was 6 years old when she wore her new orange shirt for her first day at residential school. Her shirt was immediately taken from her by school staff.
To honour the children who survived the residential school system and to remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.
An orange shirt is a reminder that #EveryChildMatters.

As newcomers, it is important to take the time to learn and reflect on the stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and the ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada. We understand that not all newcomers are aware of these histories. Today, and beyond, let us take the opportunity to learn, listen, and engage in meaningful action in support of a path towards healing and reconciliation. We’ve compiled a list of some learning resources here:

VIDEOS:
Phyllis Webstad – On Orange Shirt Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuW4WbekhxY
The story behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlXk-Coy-HU
What is Reconciliation? CBC Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT_ho4A6yw8
What are the 94 Calls to Action? CBC Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iST_ioRPmkA
The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action: An explainer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaquV6uSeo8

BOOKS:
GoodMinds – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://goodminds.com/collections/the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
SSM Public Library – Indigenous Materials for Children – https://ssmpl.ca/UploadedFiles/files/Recommended%20Reads/Indigenous%20Material%20for%20Children(1).pdf

ONLINE RESOURCES:
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day: https://orangeshirtday.org/
Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports and the 94 Calls to Action: https://nctr.ca/
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
Assembly of First Nations – It’s Our Time Education Toolkit: https://education.afn.ca/afntoolkit/learning-module/residential-schools/
Chiefs of Ontario resources: https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/priorities/irs-resources/
Nishnawbe Aski Nation resources: https://www.nan.ca/nan-education/resources/

LOCAL RESOURCES:
Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre: https://algomau.ca/research/shingwauk-residential-schools-centre/
Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Center: https://ssmifc.ca/
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services: https://www.nog.ca/
Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig: https://shingwauku.org/
Garden River First Nation: https://www.gardenriver.org/site/
Batchewana First Nation: https://batchewana.ca/home/
Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre: https://ssmmetisheritage.ca/