National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and the active history being written. We urge everyone to use this day—and every day— as a chance to deepen their understanding of injustices in the past and present, access the many educational resources available, and contribute to and show up for initiatives led by indigenous organizers.
This September 30, here are some things to reflect on:
1)Assume there is more to learn.
Develop a base knowledge and vocabulary for the harm that has and is occurring. Even if you think you know the history, assume there is more to learn. If you are a newcomer to Canada and are learning about Indigenous history on this land, consider accessing resources like TPL’s Guide for Newcomers on Indigenous history.
2) Reflect on your allyship
Consider your relationship to Canada. What spaces do you occupy, and where do you use your voice? What does living in Canada mean to you? How do you interact with this land, and how do you care for it? Allyship is not passive, but active. Read about steps to allyship, and listen to this podcast to learn what an active ally is and how you can be one.
3) Make changes in your spaces
If you have not read or reviewed the Truth and Reconciliations Calls to Action or the report and response from the Canadian Psychological Association, take some time on the 30th to review these and make a plan for action of how you can include at least one of these recommendations in your work and practice.
4) Attend a National Truth & Reconciliation Day event
To learn, engage, and support, attend an event. You can view event calendars from the Toronto Public Library, Culture Days, or the city of Toronto.
This year, we strongly encourage you to take action beyond September 30 and work to decolonize how you approach learning, working, and living on this land.
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