As a colonial institution in a colonial country, we have a lot to learn and unlearn about this land called Canada and the people who were living here before settlers and empires showed up on its shores. Take every opportunity to add to your knowledge and understanding of colonialism and it’s legacy. Make your best efforts to acknowledge the ways that it continues to cause harm and participate in making change and bringing healing to the land and the people.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

This list of resources is copied from one provided by the BC Treaty Commission for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022:

TRC and Related Materials

• 94 Calls to Action
• What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation
• Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the TRC
• Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action – developed for children and youth
• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Books

• 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act (Bob Joseph)
• They Called Me Number One (Bev Sellars)
• A National Crime (John Milloy)
• Indian Horse (Richard Wagamese)
• The Orange Shirt Story (Phyllis Webstad) – developed for children and youth
• Shi-shi-etko (Nicola I. Campbell) – developed for children and youth
• Stolen Words (Melanie Florence) – developed for children and youth
• Five Little Indians (Michelle Good)

Films and Podcasts

• Finding Cleo (CBC Podcast)
• Kuper Island (CBC Podcast)
• The Secret Path (animated documentary) – developed for children and youth

You are not alone

For confidential support, the following resources are available to you:

• 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.

• Individuals impacted by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.

• First Nations, Inuit and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca