Truth and Reconciliation Events for September 30, 2021
September 30 is a day to recognize the legacy of Residential Schools, and the painful, ongoing impact it has had on generations of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. It is a day to honour both the Survivors and the many children lost forever. Listen to their stories, learn from them and let’s all walk this path forward together. Learn More HERE
Learn Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story and the origin of Orange Shirt Day:
“I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!”
Read PHYLLIS' STORY: The original orange shirt HERE
Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls To Action HERE
Healing heARTs Stories
A storytelling series for our community to reflect and learn about this painful time in our country’s history, and to recognize and acknowledge the survivors and their families - and the Indigenous communities and their leaders. We share a series of those stories of hope and healing through the arts, and the many actions we can take for the future in honour of National Day For Truth And Reconciliation on September 30, 2021
Simon Daniel James
Hope and Healing
“Am I a proud Canadian man in the 21st century?
No, I am not. When I was growing up, I looked up to my grandfather who was a proud Canadian man and hereditary chief of our people. He worked hard for Canada, fishing to feed the men serving in the war and told me stories often about how he fed those proud Canadians. “
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Dawn Smoke
Anishnawbe - Alderville First Nation, Ontario
“I hated school...I hated every day I attended...was the only kid of colour there...was bullied, berated, beat up constantly demeaned. They nicknamed me zombie...or totally ignored, invisible...” READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Seeds are for Sharing - Thoughts of an Ojibway Woman by Dawn Smoke (available at the Hearth Gift Shop)
This is a memoir - written from the Indigenous perspective - and a manifesto for the Aboriginal people of Turtle Island; for justice and for protecting Mother Earth. Torn from her family as a baby, Dawn survived trauma, suicide and loneliness. Dawn found magic in Creation as her life evolved while living off the land in the Ottawa valley, prospecting in the Yukon, co-creating the first Native Women’s Resource Centre in Canada, and joining the fight for justice at Oka. You 'wanna' know about Native people? Talk reconciliation? This is a look at the heart and soul of a strong woman who found wisdom while searching for her family and meaning in self-sufficiency.
On the inaugural National Day for Truth & Reconciliation come to the library to collect a FREE copy of the Calls to Action booklets published by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
In this booklet, you will find the TRC’s 10 principles of Reconciliation, the 94 calls to action and the 46 articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). These documents are instruments of Reconciliation and serve as guides to assist in repairing the damaged relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Bowen Island Library
Thursday, September 30, 2021
10:00am to 5:00pm
Visit the Bowen Island Public Library Website HERE
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
(also known as Orange Shirt Day).
Thursday, September 30,
10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
828 Hummingbird Lane.
Bowen Islanders will be sewing 94 flags for the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., we will be making orange flags inspired by a simple and powerful parable: Flight of the Hummingbird. The story is based on one originating with the Quechan people, but re-written and illustrated by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas. As so many of us feel overwhelmed and powerless as the horrors of residential schools mount alongside the bodies found in unmarked graves, the hummingbird urges us to take responsibility, and find a way to make a contribution - however small we may be. Thank you Michael for gifting us the use of your beautiful illustration of Dukdukdiya - the little hummingbird.
Our goal is to see 94 hummingbird flags hung up around Bowen Island, one for each call to action outlined by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. There are some specific ways islanders can help us reach this goal (beyond simply showing up, which will be of critical importance!) If you have silkscreen experience, sewing experience, and/or would be willing to print and cut out each of the calls to action for us - we would love your help! Please contact brenda_morrison@sfu.ca or meribeth.deen@gmail.com.
Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 30 at 828 Hummingbird Lane. Read the full Bowen Island Undercurrent story below.
Indigenous History of Bowen (Bowen Island Museum & archives)
Bowen Island provided food and sustenance to the Squamish Nation, but it was never used as a permanent settlement ground. The Island was mainly used as a stopping ground on long journeys up and down the coast not only for the Squamish, but for other groups as well.
Squamish Nation Stories from the Heart
This six part Squamish Historical Society documentary opens a window on the Squamish Nation from the early 20th century to the present, through original video footage, archival and family photos and personal reminiscences.
Non-Indigenous education is key to reconciliation.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WEEK is a 5-day national event that will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Learn More HERE