In preparation for this upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) held a 3-part learning series on the history and ongoing effects of the residential school system, as well as possible future paths to move forward. Members of the HELP team were invited to participate and reflect on the series throughout the month.
“I was surprised to learn about the lack of libraries. I did a deeper dive into The Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada across all six volumes, searching for any references to libraries. While some residential schools did establish them, they were often underfunded, poorly stocked, and filled with a large portion of books being religious works or adventure stories that stressed Christian values. Yet a few Survivors shared their fond memories – a source of comfort and escape – in reading magazines, daily newspapers and the “funny papers,” “Spot and Jane books,” and from a box of old comic books for the children to read on Saturday night.” — Kinwa Bluesky
“Attending the series on residential schools reminded me that while I was familiar with much of the history, many others are still learning these truths. It highlighted how awareness and understanding vary widely across Canada. This made me reflect on my own knowledge and how fortunate I am to have had exposure to this history but also reminded me that so many others are only starting that journey. The experience strengthened my commitment to supporting ongoing education and dialogue about residential schools and their ongoing impacts. I feel a renewed responsibility to listen deeply to survivors and their communities and help share their stories as we all work toward meaningful reconciliation.” — Maram Alkawaja
“As I attended this series, I felt the knowledge and history shared highlighted the importance and role of allyship. The last webinar detailed the TRC’s Calls to Action as well as what an individual may say in the scenario of residential school denialism. I appreciated this aspect as it creates real, tangible ways for allies and others to uphold their Indigenous relations and move forward together.” — Dakota Anderberg
“I was happy to see that the three-part series on the history of residential schools was offered to us at HELP. It is so important to learn these hard truths and reflect on how this ongoing history has shaped our communities. It made me think a lot about what more we could be doing, and how, as people who live and work across several unceded First Nations territories, we have a commitment to advocate for Indigenous rights. How can we continue our learning, together?” — Sophie Carriere
“I use Truth and Reconciliation Day to slow down– to take a step back from the perpetual motion of everyday living and be present in the here and now. I use the day to be with my community, to honor my ancestors, to grieve, to support, to feel. Each year I do this. On this day, I see my non-Indigenous neighbours walking and marching alongside us, proudly clad in bright orange shirts as if to say, “I stand in solidarity with you,” but I wonder: Where does that solidarity go on the first of October? Does it get tucked away in the back of their dresser along with the bright orange they displayed the day before? I think that is often the case. Thus, it is important to hold educational series like NCTR that create space for non-Indigenous allies to extend their allyship and solidarity beyond September 30th, helping them find ways to take meaningful reconciliatory action in their daily lives.” — Aria Viveiros
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