Every. Child. Matters.

September 30th is the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, a day for honouring the sacrifices of residential school survivors and their families, and to remember the lives of those who did not return.⁣

We must continue to have hard conversations to honour those no longer here to speak for themselves and to support those who are now able to speak their truths. We ask that you listen, reflect and learn.

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We encourage everyone to take actionable steps towards allyship and reconciliation.

Here are some resources to learn more and/or get support. Please feel free to share.

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• An Overview of the Indian Residential School System (PDF)

• Book list for students or children

• De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Resource Centre

• Government of Canada learning links: Begin your learning journey

• Hamilton Regional Indian Centre

• Hope For Wellness Helpline

• How To Talk To Kids About The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society

• Massy Books | Book List

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)

• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)

• Ontario Native Women's Association

• Orange Shirt Day

• Shop First Nations (Indigenous businesses to support)

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports

• University of Alberta (Indigenous Canada - a Massive Open Online Course or MOOC)

• Woodland Cultural Centre

For immediate assistance to those who may need it, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.