National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Thursday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Although there will be no classes that day, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to take time on September 30 to participate in activities and to reflect upon the meaning of this day.
Below is a list, compiled by the Indigenous Initiatives Committee, of some of the possible events and activities you could participate in. There will be many others that you may be aware of.
Films:
- We Were Children (1hr, 23mins) - In this feature film, the profound impact of the Canadian government’s residential school system is conveyed through the eyes of two children who were forced to face hardships beyond their years. Warning - This film is very real and can be hard to watch.
- Films by Tasha Hubbard - Tasha Hubbard (Cree) is an award-winning filmmaker and an Assistant Professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of English.
Books:
- Beyond the Orange Shirt Story (by Phyllis Webstad) - Phyllis Webstad is a Residential School Survivor and founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement. Phyllis has carefully selected stories to help Canadians educate themselves and gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of the Residential School System.
Events:
- Every Child Matters: A Community Concert – Sept. 30 at 7 PM, SaskTel Centre
- Wanuskewin National Truth & Reconciliation Events – events are listed on this website
- City of Saskatoon Indigenous Initiatives – September events are listed within this document
Webinar:
- Out of the Darkness and into the Light – 2 hour Special Webinar Sept 30, 2021 11AM our time – Canadian Nutrition Society
Other readings and videos on cultural humility:
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- White Fragility-Robin DiAngelo
- White Privilege Ted Talk
- Conversations with Leaders: Murray Sinclair
- History of Food in Canada is the History of Colonialism by Corey Mintz
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission Summary Report
- Allan, B. & Smylie, J. (2015). First Peoples, second class treatment: The role of racism in the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Toronto, ON: the Wellesley Institute.
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Colonization Road-CBC Documentary
- 8th Fire Episode 1: Indigenous in the City
- Indigenous Ally toolkit
- Cultural Humility document from First Nations Health Authority
- Words Matter (PDF)
Other courses:
- Indigenous Canada - Online Course - Indigenous Canada is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada.
The University of Saskatchewan will be sharing some events offered and once they are known, we will circulate them to you.
Sincerely,
The Indigenous Initiatives Committee
Yvonne Shevchuk, Derek Jorgenson, Hassan Vatanparast, Carrie Verishagen, Julia Bareham, Gen Clark, Emma Werezak and Sandy Knowles