National Day of Truth & Reconciliation
Support Indigenous culture, experiences, businesses and stand as an ally
As we pause to observe Canada's first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation on September 30th, we take the opportunity to focus on learning (and unlearning) with compassion to stand as an ally with indigenous communities across the country.
The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the painful legacy and impacts of the residential school system, in light of the discoveries of unmarked gravesites at former residential schools this year. It’s a time to advance our reconciliation efforts, continue to learn, advocate and grow in an effort to build a better future.
Authentic Indigenous experiences are a great way to learn about Indigenous culture first-hand and support indigenous business owners - whether it’s attending workshops and performances, to restaurants and galleries.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourites here, along with a few books and educational resources that are helping us on our journey to better support Indigenous communities.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
From exhibits and guided walking tours to workshops, there’s an activity to enjoy for everyone at the cultural centre. Not only will you learn and immerse yourself in B.C.’s rich indigenous culture, but you could go home with your own handmade traditional drum, beaded earrings or dreamcatcher.
Connect to the land with Talaysay Tours
Vancouver-based Talaysay Tours, owned by Candace and Larry Campo, Shíshálh (Sechelt) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nation, offer an enriched cultural outdoor experience. Explore Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park with a local First Nations guide and cultural ambassador. Along the way, the guide will point out local plants that were harvested by Indigenous people for food, technology and medicine.
Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery is named after the well-known Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 – 1998) who was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster and spokesman. The Bill Reid Gallery is Canada's only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast, and is a great way to spend a cozy day indoors to learn and absorb their culture.
Eats at Salmon N’ Bannock
Taste the cuisine of B.C. at Vancouver's only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant. The tradition combined with authentic flavours creates wonderful and delicious modern dishes, including their signature bannock, a staple for every order, along with their Pow Wow Salad. Get a side of cedar jelly to add to your bannock, and take your palate on a culinary journey!
Getaway at Spirit Water Spa, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort
Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is located in Kootney Lake on the traditional homelands of the Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘K-too-nah-ha’) people, who have utilized the local hot spring as a place for healing ailments. A unique Hot Spring nestled into the mountainside along the shores of Kootenay Lake, there are exclusive treatments available utilizing traditional medicine plants and herbs, and is an experience you’ll never forget.
RavenSong Soap
Campbell River business owner Valerie Lamirande founded RavenSong Soap and Candle store in 2015 to bring her wealth of knowledge and cultural roots into her soap and candle creations. Her newest collection called Indigenous Inspirations incorporates traditional herbs and plant medicines passed down for generations to help soothe, heal and treat the skin.
Be an Ally
IndigenEYEZ created an allyship 101 tool that includes an overview of terminology, proper protocols, and a helpful list of how to better support the community.
Donate
Consider making a donation to charitable organizations that support residential school survivors and their families, such as the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society, Legacy of Hope Foundation or the Orange Shirt Society.
Read
Read nonfiction accounts of Indigenous people’s treatment at residential schools to understand the history and their experiences:
Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, death and hard truths in a northern city, by Tanya Talaga
All Our Relations by Tanya Talaga
The Reason You Walk by Wab Kinew
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
Indian School Road by Chris Benjamin
Out of the Depths by Isabelle Knockwood
Birdie by Tracey Lindberg
Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese
Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq
If you have younger children you’d like to inform and educate, the books below are a good entry into the discussion:
I Am Not a Number by Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, Illustrated by Gillian Newland
The Secret Path by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire
Learn
University of Alberta - free Indigenous Canada course
See here for further details on a free course offered to deepen your understanding of Indigenous Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
The Calls to Action Report can be found here.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact the Indian Residential School Crisis Line. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.
