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September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

DRUM FOR THE CHILDREN
Be heard. On behalf of the children.
Join us virtually on September 30 – at 2:15 p.m. Pacific.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc wishes to involve the world in recognizing the very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. After a global outpouring of interest and support for the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is offering a way for people to connect, support and ground into the importance of September 30, 2021.

On this very first –Canadian–National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather –safely– to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.

It’s time to honour the children, and the unrelenting spirit of these Ancestors.

It’s time to:

• to drum for the healing of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors who carried the burden of knowing of where the children were buried.

• to drum for the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home.

• The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) is holding its Fall 2021 Training Forum, "Building on Resilience: Enhancing Capacity to Support Survivors through Uncertain Times." It’s happening online from November 24th to 26th. For registration details and program announcements, click on this link.

• Taking Action! Lecture Oct 6th, 3-4:30 pm (PST), 4-5:30 pm (MST)
  This lecture will provide participants with insight on how racism is a design element, not a flaw, of settler colonial states like Canada. Citizens of Canada (and those subjected to its power) unwittingly carry behaviours that manifest racism in our social, political and economic structures.
  Without behavioural change, knowledge of structural racism can only lead to apathy and immobilization. In this lecture, we invite participants to learn the stepping stones for personal embodiment of anti-oppressive practices as preparation for reconciliation. Sign up here.

The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network website provides tools to help you do the hard work and make this vision a reality.

• E-learning
  

• Websites
  

• Read
  

• Watch
  

• Listen
  

• Research And Tools

Indigenous Studies:

The University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies has two online courses that are fee-based and self-paced and offered this Fall:

• Indigenous Peoples and Technoscience, taught by Dr. Kim TallBear and Dr. Jessica Kolopenuk

• Countering Stereotypes of Indigenous Peoples, taught by Dr. Tasha Hubbard, Dr. Tracy Bear and Sara Howd

You can attend the classes on an informational basis (no credit). Check out this page for more information.

In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care
This report by former Judge Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond found clear evidence of pervasive interpersonal and systemic racism that adversely affects not only patient and family experiences but also long-term health outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

Ottawa Public Library - Teaching Toolkit: Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

OPL is proud to honor the Every Child Matters movement and mark Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The subject is important to discuss with people of all ages, including children. This Teaching Toolkit will help you find resources in several formats for children and teens. Please review the material to discern if it is age-appropriate for your youth before sharing with them.

REMINDER #7
DON’T SHUT DOWN WHEN YOU MESS UP.
You’re going to make mistakes. But don’t let that stop you from continuing your journey. Anti-racism is hard work. It takes effort. But it’s worth it.

MEET THE ARTISTS:
[JASON BEMPONG]

Jason Bempong is a multi-disciplinary artist who expresses themselves through dance, acting, illustration and clothing design. Jason’s colourful, vibrant illustrative works capture their unique individuality — including their African roots. Rich West African-inspired prints and hand-painted clouds, combined with up-cycled clothing, convey an ever-playful, authentic 90s nostalgia.
A collection of talented BC-based artists created the illustrations seen across the campaign.

It’s hard to discuss racism. It’s awkward. It stirs up a lot of strong emotions. But it’s worth it, as we work toward a more equitable society.

Whistler Multicultural Society sends out information related to anti-racism and discrimination training opportunities, info-sessions, resources, and more…
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