In June of 2021, the government announced a new federal statutory day to commemorate and honour the Indigenous lives that were lost, and the Survivors, families, and communities who continue to be impacted as a result of the Indian Residential School system in Canada. This day is called National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and will be held annually on September 30th.
All Normac team members will be observing this day, and our offices will be closed. We encourage our team to take this time to learn more about Canadian and Indigenous history and culture. Acknowledging the historic and ongoing, intergenerational trauma Indigenous communities face as a result of the residential school system is an important and necessary step toward reconciliation.
Included below are some resources regarding the history of residential schools, education on reconciliation, and links to programs which you can help support through your donations. We all play a vital role in truth and reconciliation in that we honour and remember, celebrate resilience, and demonstrate a commitment in planning for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Education
Videos:
Heritage Minutes: The Story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack
Historic Canada: Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline
Websites:
Four Seasons: Reconciliation Education
The National Inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Legacy of Hope Foundation: Where are the Children?
The Council of Canada: Safe Water for First Nations
How to Talk to Kids About the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
PHYLLIS’ STORY: The Original Orange Shirt
Podcasts:
Donations
For CRISIS SUPPORT 24/7 call the KUU-US Crisis Line Society at 1-800-588-8717