Monday, September 30th, marks the fourth year we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As treaty people, we have the opportunity to participate in the reconciliation process by honouring the lives of children that were lost, as well as the survivors and their families who face the tragic impacts of the residential schools in Canada.
The YUSA Equity Committee encourages all our members to identify the ways in which you will personally take action to work towards reconciliation. Below is a list of resources that might help you in your journey towards reconciliation.
There are several activities planned on and off campus for you to engage, learn and support your personal journey of truth and reconciliation. Take a moment to attend one of the events to recognize, honour and mourn the lives of Indigenous children who were lost and survived the residential school system in Canada. It is a legacy and pain that persists.
How You Can Engage
- York University Events
- City of Toronto Events
- The Council of Fire and sponsors are hosting “Indigenous Legacy Gathering: Restoration of Identity through our Ceremonies and Languages” on September 27-30, 2024, at Nathan Phillip Square.
What You Can Do
The history is damning, the reality is shameful. There is so much to do to correct these wrongs and we can all play a role. Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action, as well as the accompanying reports produced by the TRC. There are 94 Calls to action start- by choosing that (the) action you feel like you can contribute positively.
- Read the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report and the 231 Calls for Justice
- Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
- Learn about the traditional territory upon which you currently reside by visiting: https://native-land.ca/
- Learn about the significance of land acknowledgements and the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, and the oral history of Tkaronto
- Take an online course to learn more
- Indigenous Canada massive open online course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education massive open online course (MOOC) offered by the University of British Columbia’s Professional Development & Community Engagement unit.
- Read books by Indigenous authors that are available for adults, teens and children
- Support Indigenous Owned Businesses
- Purchase an orange shirt from https://orangeshirtday.net/
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