Things to do during National Truth and Reconciliation Week
1) Enroll in the Truth and Reconciliation Program
The 5-day program will be online from September 27 to October 1, 2022. Curated by Indigenous storytellers, this program educates participants on traditional ceremonies and artistic performances, alongside conversations with Elders and knowledge keepers, Survivors, and children of Survivors of residential schools.
For more information, visit: https://nctr.ca/education/trw/
2) Attend Events:
Survivor Stories & Panel Discussion
Date: September 30, 2022
Location: Live Zoom Webinar Panel Webinar ID: 846 2267 7857 Passcode: kF4B3G
Join this online event to hear from residential school survivors. Panellists include Dr. Sean Carleton, Elder Betty Ross (residential school Survivor), and Marlene Gallagher (residential school and sixties scoop Survivor).
Intergenerational March on Orange Shirt Day
Date: September 30
Location: 1985 Learners’ Walk, UBC
UBC Applied Science and Land and Food Systems programs are hosting an intergenerational march on Friday, September 30th. The march aims to be educational and supportive to the Indigenous community and First Nations on campus, and give younger participants the chance to connect with the original inhabitants of the land.
When: Sept. 30, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Vancouver Black Library - 72-268 Keefer St
When: Sept. 30, noon
Where: Oppenheimer Park - 400 Powell St
When: Sept. 30, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Trout Lake Community Centre - 3360 Victoria Dr
Donate:
Show support by buying OSS merchandise here. In our last post, we shared Indigenous Brilliance you can donate to as well.
3) Show up in Orange:
Orange Shirt Day, September 30, was inspired by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation elder in Williams Lake, B.C. She wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of residential school in 1973 when she was six years old. The shirt was taken from her and since then, the colour orange has reminded her that her feelings did not matter.
4. Read about the TRCs
To learn more about Indigenous perspectives in Canada and what First Nations define as true reconciliation, read the official Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Bringing Light to Indigenous Youth
Indigenous Youth Mental Health Resources
Indian Residential School Survivor Society: The IRSSS Crisis line is available 24/7 at 1-800-721-0066.
Aboriginal Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
Hope for wellness helpline: 1-855-242-3310 or Chat: www.hopeforwellness.ca.
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266
KU-UUS Crisis Line Society (24-hour crisis programs in BC)
Toll-Free in BC 1-800-588-8717
Adult/Elder 250-723-4050
Child/Youth 250-723-2040
Kamatsiaqtut Helpline: 1-867-979-3333, toll-free at 1-800-265-3333.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24 hours). Text "TALK" to 686868 to reach a counsellor.
NWT Crisis Line: 1-800-661-0844. Available from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET.
ConnectTeen: Call 403-264-8336. Text 587-333-2724. Available 24/7.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Available 24/7.
Poundmaker’s lodge: Tele-Mental Health (780) 458-1884. Toll Free: 1-866-458-1884.
Indigenous Mental Health Campaign
Native Youth Sexual Health: Mental Health Peer Support Manual
Indigenous Youth Brilliance to Donate
National Women’s Association of Canada https://nwac.ca/donate
Urban Youth Native Association : https://unya.bc.ca/
Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council Members
Canadian Roots Exchange: https://canadianroots.ca/about/about-cre/
StepStones: https://www.stepstonesforyouth.com/
Indspire : https://indspire.ca/
IndigenEYEZ : https://indigeneyez.com/
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society: http://www.kfs.bc.ca/
Learn and Reflect :
To learn more about Indigenous perspectives in Canada and what First Nations define as true reconciliation, read the official Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
