
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30th is set apart in Canada as a day to remember the impact the residential school programs have had on the people of Canada. It is a day to honour and to reflect on the many children who died, and those who survived.
My first steps in the journey to reconciliation include: friendship and education.
My education journey was kicked into action by my dear friend Sharon Olsen who expressed her frustration that her friends and members of the white community did not understand, did not know the history. During COVID was began a group that evolved into what might be called a “Book Club”. It was led by Carl Olsen, Sharon Olsen, with Joni Olsen providing expert input, and other guest speakers including Dr Sheila Blackstock and Dr Judith Sayers. During the years that we met, every few weeks on a Sunday night, we discussed, wrestled with, and challenged one another. We learned much.
Here are some of the Canadian documents. You might look at the NCTR Report and be inspired by the list of ideas of things to do to help move reconciliation forward.
- Government of Canada – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Report
If you are looking for books – here are the first three books that I read, that helped me to gain a greater understanding of the challenges for First Nation/Indigenous peoples.
- The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King
- 12 Thing you may not know about the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese
This post was written from my home, in Saanichton, which is situated on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people which includes W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) and SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nations.