September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This legislation was recently passed by our government to make this day a federal statutory holiday, creating an opportunity to educate people and promote awareness in Canada about the Indian residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous communities for over a century.

Today, we honor the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Whether you spend this day in quiet reflection or by getting involved in a community event, we have gathered some resources to accompany you on your path. We invite you have conversations, do some research listen to aboriginal educators, and ponder on the importance of this day.

Read:

• On/Me by Francine CunninghamA Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia ElliottFive Little Indians by Michelle GoodIf I Go Missing by Brianna Jonnie with Nahanni Shingoose, art by Nshannacappo

Listen:

• Indigenous Land Rights and Reconciliation Podcast
• 7 Indigenous-themed podcasts to enlighten you

Watch:

• NFB Documentaries

Talk to your kids:

• Book- You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim by Monqiue Grey Smith
• TV show- Molly of Denali
•  Book- Phyllis’s Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad
• Article- How To Talk To Kids About The National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

Take action:

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund
• Legacy of Hope Foundation
• Orange Shirt Society
• Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
• Native Women’s Association of Canada

Land Acknowledgement

Media Experts Toronto acknowledges that we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and the Inuit peoples​

Media Experts Montreal acknowledges that we are on unceded Indigenous lands of the traditional territory of both the Kanien’kehá:ka, “Mohawk,” and the Anishinabeg, “Algonquin,” peoples.​

We are grateful for the opportunity to live here and we thank the many generations who have taken care of this land and these waters. Tiohtiá:ke, Montreal, is historically known as a gathering place for diverse First Nations; thus, we recognize and deeply appreciate the historic and ongoing Indigenous connections to and presence on these lands and waters.​

​Media Experts Vancouver acknowledges that we are on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.  We thank them for having cared for these lands and waters since time out of mind and look forward to working with them in partnership as we continue to build this great city together.