September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, and every day, we invite our members to join us in committing to reflecting on Canada’s colonial legacy and learning from Indigenous artists, activists and knowledge-keepers.
We acknowledge that reconciliation is an ongoing process; one that requires active engagement, empathy, and collective effort. In observance of this important day, CAPACOA reaffirms its dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and stories and to promoting meaningful dialogue that contributes to our collective journey towards reconciliation.
Below is a list of resources to inform your learning today and throughout the year. This list is not exhaustive and we encourage you to use it as a starting point.
Support is available; The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Assistance is available through a toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 as well as through the online chat.
Resources
- Statement of Guiding Principles for Presenting Indigenous Work – A document from our friends at Ontario Presents which outlines guiding principles that should be respected and considered to support the presenting of Indigenous work.
- Indigenous Relationships Resource List – A list of resources curated by Ontario Presents discussing land/territory acknowledgements, an introduction to Indigenous terminology, and understanding the importance of presenting Indigenous artists, stories, and culture.
- The UNcommon Wealth, co-curated by Denise Bolduc, Dolina Wehipeihana and Jacob Boehme. Co-presented by CAPACOA and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with the generous support of Canadian Heritage and The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom.
- The Path: Your Journey through Indigenous Canada – The Canadian Live Music Association has partnered with NVision Insight Group to offer two Indigenous cultural awareness and intercultural capacity programs at a discounted rate to the live music industry.
- They Know Not What They Do by Siminovitch Award laureate and former NEPA Artistic Director Tara Beagan follows three separate yet parallel journeys through Residential School. Stories of survival weave through time, and as we hear from Elders in the present day and moments in their own voices as small children, we are reminded that these atrocities were perpetrated on vulnerable young people. Within these stories of survival live the strength and wisdom of our ancestors, past, present, and future.
- Culture Days NDTR Events – Culture Days has set September 30, 2023 aside to create space exclusively for events organized to commemorate the NDTR, including those aimed at sharing First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit experiences and perspectives and uplifting the creative and cultural expressions of Indigenous people and communities. Find events happening across Turtle Island on September 30 and a list of resources to explore.
- Kanata: Contemporary Indigenous Artists and their Music, curated by MusiCounts. A learning resource that will support teachers in bringing Indigenous voices, perspectives, and music into classrooms.
- First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Classical Artist Playlists are available through our friends at Orchestras Canada, on Spotify and YouTube.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has educational programs and teaching resources.
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report findings.
- The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has a wealth of information and services for survivors.
