#truthandreconciliation.epub

30 September is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. First established in 2021, it commemorates . The day takes its name from the Truth and Reconciliation Commision, an investigation into Residential Schools, which started in 2007 and published its findings in 2015.

If you don’t know about Residential Schools, here are some things to check out:

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website, containing a wealth of information on Residential Schools.

The Legacy of Hope Residential School Survivor’s database, containing videos of Residential School survivors giving their testimony of their experiences. Transcripts are available for most, if not all of them.

Kiss of the Fur Queen, by Tomson Highway, available on the Internet Archive. A novel about two brothers who were taken to Residential School and must live the rest of their lives. For those of you unable to read a book unless you see yourself directly reflected in one of the characters, one of the brothers is queer.

Indian Horse, by Richard Wagamese, available on the Internet Archive. A novel about a boy who was taken to Residential School and found hockey as an escape.

Secret Path, a multimedia project by Gord Downie, available on its website. An album and book telling the true story of a boy who was taken to Residential School and froze to death while to escape; also an animated film adaptation of the book with a discussion period and “making of” section.

A general warning for child abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and cultural genocide applies to all of these resources.