Hello members,
This past Saturday, Sept. 30, marked both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Today and every day, we are called to remember and recognize the continued intergenerational impact of colonialism and the residential school system. We honour all the Indigenous, First Nations, Métis and Urban Indigenous people affected by these systems of oppression, especially survivors, those who lost their lives, their families, and communities. We recognize that reconciliation is an active process of truth and remembrance.
We encourage all MHNIG members to take time to learn more about not only the significance of this day, but also methods to ensure your practice is culturally competent. Some resources that may help this process include:
1. Origins of Orange Shirt Day and the Orange Shirt Society - Dedicated to sharing the story of Orange Shirt Day, and "to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation"
2. Canada.ca website - More information on the establishment of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, including links to resources and events. Also includes information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the calls to action that were released alongside the report.
3. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Reports and calls to action that were released by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is "a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations." Attached to this message is the calls to action. Please take time to read them, and see how you can incorporate reconciliation into your practice, and advocate for change and healing.
4. Free online course "Indigenous Canada", which will help increase cultural competency and have a positive impact on your everyday practice. This course, offered by the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta, explores "the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous Peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations"
Resources for residential school survivors and other Indigenous Peoples
- Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the government of Canada
- Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week for counselling and crisis intervention - toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or connect to the online chat using the Google Chrome browser.
Thank you,
MHNIG executive