Resources on Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation Learning Resources 

For the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are bringing together a range of resources and content streams. Find out what programs we are planning, items in our collection, events in our community, local community organizations, online learning resources, social media accounts to check out and more.

Resources are available to support those who experience mental health distress.

TRC at KPL 

Upcoming programs 

• Indigenous Sharing Circle with Kelly Welch: Thursday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. 
• First Nation Public Library Week:  Elder's Panel - Remembering Community Lifestyles: Partnerships and Alliances on Monday, October 2 at 10 a.m. 
• First Nation Public Library Week: First Nation Communities READ Authors Panel on Thursday, October 5 at 2 p.m. 
• First Nation Public Library Week: Author Panel - Christine Miskonoodinkwe Smith on Friday, October 6 at 10 a.m. 
• Indigenous Sharing Circle with Kelly Welch on Saturday, November 18, at 1 p.m. 

In our collection 

• CBC Gem Indigenous Stories
• National Film Board - Residential Schools
• National Film Board - Indigenous Cinema

Check out items in our catalogue tagged with #TRC2023 or browse the First Nation Communities Read longlist titles tagged with #FNCR2023. 

TRC in the community 

Community events 

• Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Event: September 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., (Victoria Park, Kitchener)
• Truth and Reconciliation Day Ceremony: Friday, September 29 at 7 a.m. at the B.C. Matthews Hall Green, University of Waterloo (20908 Ring Rd, Waterloo) 
• Honouring the Children Sacred Fire: Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., virtual and in-person, at the Waterloo Region Museum (10 Huron Rd. Kitchener) 
• Every Child Matters Walk: Saturday, September 30 at 10 a.m. meeting at 300 Frederick St., Kitchener 

Community Organizations 

• Ahwenehaode Indigenous Justice Program 
• Anishnabeg Outreach 
• Crow Shield Lodge 
• Grand River Métis Council 
• The Healing of the Seven Generations 
• Indigenous Food Circle Waterloo Region 
• KW Urban Native Wigwam Project 
• NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment &Training 
• O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp 
• White Owl Native Ancestry Association 

Online learning 

• Creating your own Land Acknowledgement, Downie Wenjack Fund, Facebook (training)
  • The Downie Wenjack Fund creates educational campaigns and activities for schools and groups
  • This one-hour training brings together ideas and approaches for creating your own Land Acknowledgement
• First Nation Communities Read 
  • First Nation Communities Read establishes Indigenous-authored longlists annually, for Adult/YA materials and Children’s materials
• Indigenous Canada Course, University of Alberta 
  • This free massive online open course consists of 12 modules
  • To access the course, you will need to create a Coursera account
• Key Issues: Land Rights, Six Nations of the Grand River 
  • Summary of Six Nations of the Grand River land rights and related litigation with the Government of Canada 
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023, University of Waterloo, Office of Indigenous Relations
  • Includes videos about the Residential School system
• National Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
  • Established as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the NCTR is home to archival material relating to residential schools, including much that is accessible online
  • Online Lunch and Learns are running daily from September 25 to September 29

Social Media

Tik Tok and Instagram 

• @brettstoise (TikTok): Brett Mooswa creates educational videos on Indigenous life and comedic clips mocking common First Nations stereotypes, as well as sharing about Indigenous-owned businesses.
• @cbcindigenous (Instagram): The CBC Indigenous account shares Indigenous-centred current events, news, and human-interest stories. 
• @fawn.wood (TikTok): Fawn Wood is a Cree and Salish woman from the land known as Saddle Lake, Alberta, who comes from a multi-generational traditional singing family. She does a mix of comedy, singing, and relatable Indigenous-centred content on her channel. 
• @indigenous_baddie (Instagram): Michelle Chubb is an influencer and activist, sharing cultural practices and educating in Indigenous and Canadian history. 
• @indigenousclimateaction (Instagram): Indigenous Climate Action is an Indigenous-led activist organization providing education and training in climate justice through Indigenous knowledge systems. 
• @matriarch.movement (Instagram): Matriarch Movement is a platform and podcast supporting physical and mental health through interviews with Indigenous speakers and teachers, with emphasis on women’s and 2SLGBTQIA+ voices. 
• @notoriouscree (Instagram): James Jones is a traditional hoop dancer and member of the Tallcree First Nation. Jones educates followers on Indigenous issues and culture. 
• @shinanova (TikTok): Shina Nova is an Inuk throat singer and creator who lives in what is currently known as Montreal, Quebec. Her videos are educational, cultural, and promote Indigenous issues in beautiful, artistic ways. 

YouTube 

• @aptnnews: Official account for APTN National News, sharing “Our stories told our way.” For the past decade, its reporters and stories have been recognized with various national journalism awards including the prestigious Michener Award.  
• @nativewomensassociationofc8456: Native Women’s Association of Canada, a National Indigenous Organization representing the political voice of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people in Canada, inclusive of First Nations on and off reserve, status and non-status, disenfranchised, Métis and Inuit. 
• @m8tisnation: Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). In 1993, the MNO was established through the will of Métis people and Métis communities coming together throughout Ontario to create a Métis-specific governance structure. The MNO was not created to represent all individuals and communities that claim to be Métis, but those individuals and communities that are a part of the Métis Nation.  

Support Resources 

If you, or someone you know, needs help or support please reach out.

• National Residential School Crisis Line is a free 24-Hour National Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 
• Indigenous peoples across Canada can also connect with The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day for counselling and crisis intervention online or at 1-855-242-3310
• Talk 4 Healing offers free 24/7 help, support and resources to Indigenous women in Ontario in 14 languages at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) 
• Free and confidential mental health support is available to anyone who may be affected, by Wellness Together Canada