On this second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we reflect on and acknowledge the history and truthful impacts of residential schools in Alberta. It is important to acknowledge that the effects of colonialism are still ongoing. We need to keep teaching and learning the truth of what has happened--and what is happening. We need to move beyond performative acts of reconciliation. We must take action by being allies and moving towards meaningful reconciliation.
FACL Western stands in solidarity with the Indigenous community. As legal professionals, it is our duty to advocate for the rights and freedoms of all persons and to oppose oppression. This duty does not stop with the Asian community. As historically marginalized communities, we must stand together with Indigenous communities in condemning violence, oppression, and racism.
Sadly, anti-Indigenous racism also exists in the legal profession. This year, we have recommitted ourselves towards strengthening interracial solidarity with Indigenous communities in Canada.
The establishment of September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80, issued by the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which “calls upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of remembrance, and an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the intergenerational harm caused by the schools.
On September 30, wear an orange shirt. Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes the harm done to residential school students and their families, and shows a commitment to the principle that every child matters. By acknowledging and understanding the truth of the past, we can take steps to move forward towards reconciliation. The Orange Shirt Day movement started in 2013 after a Residential School Survivor spoke about having the orange shirt her grandmother bought for her taken away on her first day of school when she was 6 years old. You can read her story here: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a series of online events from September 26 to 30. These events will enable the public to participate in important conversations, including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential school system. More info and links to register are here.
The Calgary Public Library is also hosting a series of in-person events on September 30.
The Law Society of Alberta has a list of resources with events to attend on the day of and resources.
The CBA has also put together a helpful “Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit for Firms” that you can check out here.
In addition to these resources, the FACL Western Advocacy Committee has compiled a resource list at the bottom of this newsletter. We recognize that this is not a comprehensive, exhaustive list.
We encourage our membership to use these resources to better inform themselves of the pivotal contributions of Indigenous communities and how to be better allies in the struggle against anti-Indigenous discrimination. We also encourage our members to engage in continuous learning and action beyond the day of September 30.
Resource List for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Short videos:
Talk to your kids about how to be an ally to Indigenous peoples (this has great steps for adults too!). Video is here
Talk to your kids about reconciliation (this has great teachings for adults too). Video is here
Watch Bob Joseph talk about 21 things you may not know about the Indian Act. Video is here.
Readings on Truth and Reconciliation in Canada:
“Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action”. Full report can be read here.
“Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”. Full report can be read here.
**Trigger Warning, this toolkit is based on a very powerful film that may trigger an emotional response in many. The Hope For Wellness Helpline is available 24-hours a day at 1-855-242-3310.** Toolkit is available here.
Free courses on our history of and ongoing issues with colonialism:
Take the 12-lesson online course, “Indigenous Canada” from the U of A Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. Link to register is here.
Choose from or take all of the online Reconciliation Education courses. More info and link to register here.
Documentaries:
**Trigger Warning, this is a very powerful film that may trigger an emotional response in many. The Hope For Wellness Helpline is available 24-hours a day at 1-855-242-3310.**, “Unforgotten”
Activities to do on the day:
Learn about and participate in a local “Kairos Blanket Exercise”
Learn to make a ribbon skirt with Tala Tootoosis
Read an autobiography written by an Indigenous person. A couple of ideas include Augie Merasty’s “The Education of Augie Merasty”, Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton’s “Fatty Legs: A True Story”, and Mini Adola Freeman’s “Life Among the Qallunaat”.
Check out these “150 Acts of Reconciliation” and follow the items on the list from last year
Podcasts:
Indigenous organizations to support:
Subscribe to Raven Reads,
Check out local Indigenous artists and businesses as well!