The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, in Canada. Truth and reconciliation means acknowledging the true history of so-called Canada. For non-Indigenous folks especially, it means doing the work - reading books, researching, etc. and doing what you can to educate yourself and others and to be an ally to Indigenous communities. It is also a day to mourn the loss of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and communities and to also celebrate Indigenous resilience and resistance, and all of the amazing things Indigenous communities have contributed to this world.

A good starting place to learn more is by listening to Indigenous voices and to learn the true history of Turtle Island (so-called Canada). GoodMinds.com is a First Nations family-owned business, who is passionate about Indigenous education. They’ve compiled a list of Truth & Reconciliation books which you can find here: https://goodminds.com/collections/the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation

You can keep track of the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action, that were released in 2015, here: https://www.indigenouswatchdog.org/

If podcasts are more your thing, here are a few you can listen to:

For Professional Development, you can complete the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course which is a customized anti-racist education in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. Learners receive a certificate from the First Nations University of Canada upon successful completion of the final quiz.

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