Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Its purpose is also to continue the conversation about the truths of First Nations Treaties, the Métis and Inuit Land Claims, and the legacy of the residential school system. As educators we must reckon with our sector’s history of institutional racism towards Indigenous Peoples, as well as the current inequity within our educational systems. To do this, we commit to listening to and learning from Indigenous communities and leaders.
We are grateful for the leadership of our Committee to Support Indigenous Adult Learners that began working together last year. We are also thankful for the Indigenous speakers who have recently shared their knowledge with us. We look forward to learning from Phyllis Webstad and Dr. Pamela Rose Toulouse at our CESBA 2021 virtual Conference in November.
Here are some Indigenous resource links that we recommend:
Orange Shirt Society Videos with Phyllis Webstad
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
OISE National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resource List
Profile of Kaweni:io/Gaweni:yo School – Six Nations
First Nations Control of First Nations Education Act
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls for Reconciliation in Education
For survivors—Residential School Survivor Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419