On September 30, the inaugural observation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the University of St. Michael’s College seeks to honour the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to remember the children who suffered, the children who never returned home, their families and the communities who continue to grieve. This responds to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Understanding this history and the continued impacts is essential to reconciliation.
St. Michael’s encourages all students, staff and faculty to continue to take the time to learn about the hard truths of residential schools – a system of oppression and colonialism forced upon Indigenous Peoples – and reflect on how these measures shape our present-day realities and continuing inequities.
Resources and events to mark the day are available both on and off campus. All members of the community are invited to take personal and professional action to be part of social justice and positive change.
READ
Recommendations from Interim Principal and Vice-President Mark McGowan. All books available from the Kelly Library.
- JR Miller, Residential Schools and Reconciliation: Canada Confronts Its History
- John S Milloy and Mary Jane McCallum, A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System
- Milloy’s submission to the Royal Commission (1996) “Suffer the Children” is available online, as well
- Phil Fontaine and Kaila Johnston, A Knock at the Door: the essential history of residential schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- JR Miller, Shingwauk’s Vision: A History of Native Residential Schools
- James Daschuk, Clearing the Plains: disease, politics of starvation, and the loss of Indigenous life
- Olive Dickason, Canada’s First Peoples
- Bob Johnson, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
Stories and reports from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) asked those affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system to share their stories. Based on these stories, they made 94 recommendations.
VISIT
- The Kelly Library for a virtual and physical book display highlighting core titles on Indigeneity in the pre- and post-colonial context in Canada. Titles include both popular contemporary fiction and several of the books featured above.
- Teaching and Learning as Treaty Peoples, a website from the University of St. Michael’s College offering resources for teachers (and others) on the relevance of Indigenous-Settler relations in Canada.
- Indigenous Studies – Research guides at University of Toronto available from UofT Libraries.
JOIN
- September 29, 11 a.m.
A facilitated discussion on Indigenous Education led by Desmond Wong, Outreach Librarian, discussing the 2017 Alanis Obomsawin film Our People will be Healed. Please watch this film ahead of time. It is available through UTL’s NFB Campus subscription. Participants will also be observing a moment of silence in commemoration of Residential School Survivors and the now over 7000 Indigenous children who did not make it home. Zoom Link to Join.
- September 29, 11 a.m.
Indigenous Research Network Launch—a new UofT a new Institutional Strategic Initiative. Zoom link sent once registered on Eventbrite: Inquiries can be forwarded to irn@utoronto.ca
- September 29, 5 p.m.
Roundtable of Algonquin Leaders on “Truth and Reconciliation & Museums” on how museums locally and nationally can work with the Algonquin Peoples and with all First Nation Peoples across Canada. Register to receive a Zoom link.
- September 30, 2 p.m.
A Hart House virtual event in recognition of the experiences of survivors of residential schools in Canada. Register for the Zoom link.
- October 5, 7 p.m.
In response to the TRC’s Call to Action #59, St. Basil’s Church is offering a discussion series that focuses on the following themes: the spirituality of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples, the history and involvement of the Catholic Church in the residential school system, and the TRC as a roadmap in discerning a path toward healing. October 5, 12, 19, 26 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Register online or email virginiaann.mervar@utoronto.ca for more information.
WEAR & SHARE
- Whether you are working or going to school online or in-person, wear your orange shirt on September 30 to show your solidarity with Indigenous people.
- Download an Orange Shirt background for use on Zoom or Teams calls.
- #EveryChildMatters #TRC