Artwork by Caleb Ellison-Dysart

This year, the Government of Canada passed legislation to honour September 30^th as a new federal holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is meant for Canadians to commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools in what is now known as Canada and to honour and recognize the survivors, as well as those who did not return. Furthermore, this day acts as a reminder to non-Indigenous Canadians to reflect on the damage caused to Indigenous Peoples and communities through colonization and to increase our awareness and understanding of the history and treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and what reconciliation means. Today, we are turning to film to help us listen, learn and reflect on the history and continued impact of residential schools on Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada, and our hope is that you will join us. We’ve provided some resources below to help you started.

Film suggestions for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

• Indian Horse, from Stephen Campanelli
• Our People Will be Healed, from Alanis Obomsawin
• The Road Forward, from Marie Clements
• Cold Journey, from Martin Defalco
• Rhymes for Young Ghouls, from Jeff Barnaby
• We Were Children, from Tim Wolochatiuk
• Savage, from Lisa Jackson
• Where Are the Children? Healing the Legacy of the Residential Schools, from the Legacy of Hope Foundation
• Holy Angels, from Jay Cardinal Villeneuve
• Beyond the Shadows (Gryphon Production)
• A Day at Indian Residential Schools in Canada, The Aboriginal Healing Foundation, The Dreamcatcher Fund, Indigenous Education Coalition
• Stolen Children, The National – CBC
• Where the Spirit Lives, from Bruce Pittman
• The Secret Path, from Gord Downie
• Muffins for Granny, from Nadia McLaren

Learn More: Indigenous History & Culture

This National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we encourage you to explore the rich and diverse history and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Start and continue your learning journey today and see below for more resources.

• Indigenous E-Learning: Tools & Resources
• The Canadian Homeschooler
• Thompson Rivers University Library
• Edmonton Public Library
• Ontario Teacher’s Federation
• Destination Indigenous
• Sheridan College
• Raven Reads
• Strong Nations
• Indigenous Canada (University of Alberta)
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
• Indigenous Voices

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