September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we encourage you to get involved with events in your community, learn about the importance of this day and take action. Public commemoration is a vital part of the reconciliation process. We invite you to take this time to learn and reflect as part of a commitment to taking action and supporting Indigenous communities not only today but 365 days a year.

EVENTS TO ATTEND

See below for a list of events in the GTA, London and Stratford area that you might be interested in attending.

ReconciliACTION Speaker Series: Beyond NDTR
Location: London, ON
Date: Friday, September 29, from 10 a.m. to noon
Learn more: https://atlohsa.com/pages/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2023

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
Location: London, ON
Date: Saturday, September 30, from 12 to 3:30 p.m.
Learn more: https://atlohsa.com/pages/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2023

Gawii Wiikaa Gaa-Nedimisii: Never Ever Forget Me Benefit Concert*
Location: London, ON
Date: Saturday, September 30, from 6 to 11 p.m.
Learn more: https://atlohsa.com/pages/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2023

*Note: The money raised from funds at the concert go to the “Save the Barn” initiative in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, former site of Mount Elgin Residential School.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Waterloo
Location: Waterloo, ON
Date: Friday, September 29, from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.ticketfi.com/event/5225/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-2023

Public Virtual Tour of Mohawk Institute
Location: Online
Date: Wednesday, September 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/woodland-cultural-centre/events/september-27-tour-2023/

Lunch and Learn: Truth and Reconciliation Presentation
Location: Online
Date: Thursday, September 28 at 12 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/woodland-cultural-centre/events/lunch-and-learn-trc-09-28/

Screening of Silent No More
Location: Brantford, ON
Date: Thursday, September 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/woodland-cultural-centre/events/silent-no-more-september-28-2023/

Reflection Space hosted by Fran Davis
Location: Eaton Lounge at the Festival Theatre (Stratford, ON)
Date: Saturday, September 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Fallstaff Family Centre – Various Events
Location: Stratford, ON
Date: September 25 to 30, various times
Learn more: https://www.falstafffamilycentre.com/truthandreconciliation

Walking Through Fire Concert
Location: Stratford, ON
Date: Friday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Learn more: https://www.stratfordsymphony.ca/Walking_Through_Fire/

Moccasin Identifier Activity
Location: Stratford, ON
Date: Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more: https://splibrary.ca/events/moccasin-identifier-activity

Indigenous Legacy Gathering
Location: Toronto, ON
Date: September 29 and 30
Learn more: https://www.councilfire.ca/indigenous-legacy-gathering-september-29-30-2023/

Looking for more?

We recommend visiting the Culture Days website for more resources, events and information.
Learn more: https://culturedays.ca/en/resources/truth-and-reconciliation

TO WATCH, TO LISTEN, TO LEARN

See below for a list of recommendations on resources that will help you understand the importance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, 2015
Start here: https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Manitoba)
The NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations.
Learn more: https://nctr.ca/

Indigenous Cultural Competency Training (Native Canadian Centre of Toronto)
This training will provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous attendees with an overview of today’s Indigenous culture and how the historical and current experiences shape misinformed views of Indigenous people.
Learn more: https://ncct.on.ca/indigenous-cultural-competency-training/

Calls to Action Accountability: A 2022 Status Update on Reconciliation (Yellowhead Institute)
An update on the state of Reconciliation in Canada.
Read now: https://yellowheadinstitute.org/trc/

“We Were Children” (2012) – Film by Tim Wolochatiuk
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. 
Where to watch: https://www.nfb.ca/film/we_were_children/

“We Are Still Here” (2017) – Documentary
Three elders from Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Sarnia, and the Bjekwanong First Nation on Walpole Island, share their memories of surviving residential schools.
Where to watch: https://youtu.be/PJtM-YEGpKc?feature=shared

National Film Board: Residential Schools
A selection of films by Indigenous filmmakers and allies about the tragic impact of residential schools in Canada.
Where to watch: https://www.nfb.ca/channels/residential-schools/

1939 – STRATFEST@HOME Film*
Anticipating a visit by King George VI, an English teacher at a church-run residential school in Northern Ontario enlists her students in a production of All's Well That Ends Well.
Where to watch: https://stratford.vhx.tv/1939-1

*Note: This title will be available free-of-charge from September 27 to October 4.

TAKE ACTION: BEYOND SEPTEMBER 30

Support Indigenous communities 365 days a year. Here is a list of Indigenous-focused films, TV series and businesses to support all year round.

Little Bird – TV Series
A limited series about an Indigenous woman on a journey to find her birth family and uncover the hidden truth of her past.
Where to watch: https://www.crave.ca/en/tv-shows/little-bird

Reservation Dogs – TV Series
A half-hour comedy that follows the exploits of four Indigenous teenagers in rural Oklahoma.
Where to watch: https://www.disneyplus.com/series/reservation-dogs/17MVZHUGJFZw

The Ink Runs Deep – Documentary
In this vivid and moving documentary, Indigenous artists throughout Canada strive to reclaim their cultures and identities through a reawakening of tattoo practices, both traditional and contemporary.
Where to watch: https://gem.cbc.ca/this-ink-runs-deep/s01

Atanarjuat the Fast Runner – Film
This adaptation of an ancient Inuit legend was filmed in Inuktitut and directed by Inuit filmmakers - making Atanarjuat the first feature film of its kind.
Where to watch: https://www.nfb.ca/film/atanarjuat_the_fast_runner_en/

Indigenous-focused on STRATFEST@HOME
From September 27 to October 4, all of our Indigenous-focused content will be available free-of-charge on STRATFEST@HOME.
Where to watch: https://stratford.vhx.tv/browse

Beautiful Scars – Book by Tom Wilson
With a rare gift for storytelling and an astonishing story to tell, Tom writes with unflinching honesty and extraordinary compassion about his search for the truth.
Learn more: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/531052/beautiful-scars-by-tom-wilson/9780385685672

Athlosa Gifts
Atlohsa Gifts is London’s leading retailer of unique items from First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists and businesses.
Learn more: https://atlohsa.com/pages/atlohsa-gifts

Shop First Nations
Provides an Indigenous business directory for its users.
Learn more: https://shopfirstnations.com/