September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Since the day’s inception in 2013, it has become an important and effective way of encouraging people throughout Canada to think about their role in reconciliation.
We also know awareness is not enough. Indigenous people throughout Canada continue to face harm, and work to heal from the ongoing legacies of colonialism. Meaningful reconciliation requires going beyond simply wearing an orange shirt or other symbolic gestures. Instead, we need Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to work together to build better relationships and take action.
Whether it is keeping up to date on recent news affecting Indigenous people and communities or participating in events like A DAY TO LISTEN 2022 or Secret Path Week, there are plenty of ways to engage with the real work and action required to move reconciliation forward. Check out some of the events we have below. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pope Francis’ visit to Canada and apology to Indigenous communities garnered significant attention and the effects of the visit are still being felt. In addition, recoveries continue at former residential school sites, including Blue Quills Residential School in Lac La Biche, AB. Here are some articles that reflect on what’s been taking place in communities over the past few months:
A Post-Apology ‘To Do’ List
Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, The Tyee, July 26, 2022
I survived the ’60s Scoop. Here’s why the Pope’s apology isn’t an apology at all
Lori Campbell, Associate Vice President, Indigenous Engagement, University of Regina, The Conversation, July 26, 2022
A ‘Walk Together’ or an ‘Erasure Tour’?
Erin Blondeau, Métis mother from Red River Settlement, The Tyee, July 25, 2022
Pope’s apology doesn’t acknowledge church’s role as ‘co-author’ of dark chapter: Murray Sinclair
Rachel Bergen, CBC News, July 26, 2022
Search of Pine Creek Residential School site in western Manitoba finds 14 possible unmarked graves
CBC, August 8, 2022
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The papal visit in July 2022 resulted in mixed emotions for many Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. Join us on September 30th at 1:00 pm ET to hear directly from those who were involved in and affected by the Pope’s visit. Learn more about what the apology means to those impacted by residential schools, its effects on reconciliation, and how this will shape Indigenous communities and intergenerational relationships across Turtle Island. Mark your calendars!
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A DAY TO LISTEN 2022
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, DWF will be airing A DAY TO LISTEN 2022 on radio stations throughout the country.
This year, we are highlighting the voices and stories of Indigenous people around the theme of Messages of Hope. This will centre on four areas:
As we continue to move forward on the path toward reconciliation, we aim to inspire hope for future generations of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information!
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Secret Path Week is a national movement commemorating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack. October 17th and 22nd respectively mark the dates that Gord and Chanie joined the spirit world.
For those who are looking for ways to take action following September 30th, Secret Path Week offers meaningful ways to participate in reconciliation. You can answer Gord Downie’s call to action to “Do Something” by:
Mental Health Crisis Lines and Mental Health Resources for Indigenous Community Members
| Hope for Wellness – Indigenous help line: | 1-855-242-3310 Online chat: www.hopeforwellness.ca/ |
| Indian Residential School Survivor 24 Hour Crisis Line: | 1-866-925-4419 |
| Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24 Hour Crisis Line: | 1-833-456-4566 Text 45645 (4PM – 12AM EST) |
| Kids Help Phone: | Indigenous Peoples can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by texting FIRST NATIONS, INUIT, or METIS to: 686868 for youth 741741 for adults |
National Mental Health Crisis Support
| Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24 Hour Crisis Line: | 1-833-456-4566 Text 45645 (4PM – 12AM EST) |
| Kids Help Phone 24- Hour Services: | 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 |
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
Phone: 1-844-944-4545
E-mail: staff@downiewenjack.ca
Address:
PO BOX 749
OHSWEKEN, ON
N0A1M0
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