July 1st: A day for learning and reflection
With the recent discoveries of over 1,332 unmarked graves of Indigenous peoples, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as they bring their children home.
Our collective hearts are with the families and communities directly impacted by this living trauma, and we grieve for the generations of children that were taken and never returned to their homes.
This July 1st we should all take time to reflect on Canada’s historical and current oppression of Indigenous peoples. Listen, learn and then decide how you will actively participate in reconciliation. Below is a list of educational resources and engagement opportunities that you can start with this July 1st and beyond.
Supports and Services for those Impacted
The National Residential School Crisis Line
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former students and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line:
1-866-925-4419.
The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS)
The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) has a wealth of experience delivering wellness and healing services to Indian Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors throughout B.C.
IRSSS provides essential services to Residential School Survivors, their families, and to those dealing with intergenerational traumas. These impacts affect every family and every community across B.C. and Canada.
Listen & Learn
Fort Calgary Virtual Events
This year’s theme is all about the land. Join online for several family-friendly activities that support a deeper understanding of this land we call home, including a guided exploration into what Canada means.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. The TRC was charged to listen to survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and to educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.
Native Land Digital Map
Native Land Digital strives to map Indigenous lands in a way that changes, challenges and improves the way people see the history of their countries and peoples. You can use it directly by entering your address or look around the map to see the relevant territories in a location.
Calgary Foundation: Treaty 7 Indigenous Ally Toolkit
When it comes to creating a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of Indigenous people, it is important to understand the role that individuals play within the collective experience. An ally recognizes that every person has a basic right to human dignity, respect and equal access to resources.
Download the Indigenous Ally Toolkit to use as a resource for your individual or organizational reconciliation journey.
Complex Stories Podcast: What is Canada Day?
Complex Stories is a podcast by the Fort Calgary National Historic Site that delves into the vast network of places and complex stories reaching across Canada. Topics include colonization, Métis history and reconciliation of the land. In this episode, the Fort Calgary team is joined by special guest Jess Bolduc from Batchewana First Nation to ask the question, “What is Canada Day?”
CBC: 48 Books by Indigenous Writers to Read to Understand Residential Schools
You have the power to be the authors of reconciliation if you read as much as you can, listen as much as you can, learn as much as you can and then take meaningful, informed action. Here are some books by Indigenous authors to get you started on your learning journey.
CBC: Through Our Eyes - Indigenous Short Docs
Discover a compilation of CBC Short Docs by some of the best emerging Indigenous storytellers from across the country.
Take Informed Action
On Canada Project: Settlers Take Action
Non-Indigenous folk who live in Canada benefit from the colonialism that happened here. That means we are all responsible for our personal role in reconciliation. Here are seven ways to take action and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
Caring Society: Bring Reconciliation into the Classroom
The Caring Society supports educators and schools across Canada in nurturing citizenship, agency and self-confidence by providing opportunities for students to take part in activities that foster reconciliation and culturally-based equity for Indigenous children and youth.
Nahanee Creative: Cultural Safety Planning and Decolonizing Workshops
Nahanee Creative works with organizations who have awareness of colonial impacts and who want to start answering the question, “What can we do now?” Find experiential training and dialogue facilitation grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing to help your team build meaningful dialogue about colonialism, supremacy and decolonizing practices.
Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Canadians spend an average of about $91 on fireworks on Canada Day. Regardless of how much you personally spend, if you are financially able to, donate $91 (or what you can) to The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS).