National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30th, the Digital Nova Scotia office will be closed to honour and mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This was one of the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (No. 80). It's a day meant to reflect on the ongoing intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, their families, and communities that has been caused by residential and day schools, and other institutions and practices in Canada that still exist today. It is a day to honour and know about the lost children and Survivors of residential schools. However, it is not only a day for reflection- but a call to action. It is a day where we can all consider what we can do as individuals to advance Reconciliation, commit to understanding the Truth of our shared and ongoing history, and learn from it. What should I do to mark the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation? If you want to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation, a good place to start is by reading the Findings of the TRC Commission, and reading the 94 Calls to Action linked above. Another good online resource is the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba. The trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples in Canada is also intersectional, and it has especially impacted women and girls as seen in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. You can also read the Stories of Two-Spirit Indigenous LGBTQ+ Indian Residential and Day School Survivors to understand the stories of Two-Spirit Survivors. For resources focused on the traditional and unceded territories of the Mi'kmaq, Mi'kma'ki and Unama'ki, the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre shares a number of stories in video format from Elders. They also share other educational resources for Settlers. It's also 35th Treaty Day in Nova Scotia and the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month (October) in the province on October 1st. Tune in to various virtual events being hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and partners here If you recide in the Halifax Regional Municipality, here are various events taking place between Sept. 29th and Oct. 3rd to commemorate Truth and Reconciliation. - September 29, City Hall: City Hall will be lit orange for NDTR. - September 30 - Oct. 3: Attend Weekend of Reconciliation on the Waterfront (multiple events organized by the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre) - A number of ceremonies and events (in person and virtual) organized by the HRM- Wear an orange shirt on September 30th for Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981), and all aspects of Residential schools. - You can donate to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, and - Explore Mi'kmaw language, words and pronunciation.

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