September 30th marks Canada’s third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an important time for reflection on the impact of residential schools on survivors, as well as their families and communities. Last year, I had the opportunity to spend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the Northwest Territories to sign an agreement between the Nahɂą Dehé Dene Band and the Dehcho First Nations on the co-management of the Nahanni National Park Reserve. This acknowledgement by our government that Indigenous land should be managed by Indigenous people is big step, and I am looking forward to continuing to work towards reconciliation.
Here are some National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events taking place virtually and in our city:
• Screening of Northern Feathers: Truth, Love, Hard Reduction—On September 25th from 5:30 pm-8:00 pm, there will be a free screening of the Northern Feather documentary at Redwood Theatre (1300 Gerrard St E)
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Truth and Reconciliation Week—From September 25th-30th, there will be virtual 50-minute educational sessions hosted, with a new topic each day. For more information, please see here.
• Gord Downie & Chanie Weniack Fund (DWF)’s A Day to Listen 2023—From 6:00 am-6:00 pm on September 30th, radio stations across the country will be listening to Indigenous conversation about a wide array of topics. This year’s theme is Mino Bimaadiziwin: Honouring Indigenous Identity. For more information, including which stations are participating, please see here.
• Indigenous Legacy Gathering – On September 29th-30th at Nathan Phillips Square, there will be the opportunity to hear from Indigenous speakers, view Indigenous performances and come together as a community to work towards reconciliation. For more information, please see here.