Contact(s)
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Proclaimed in 2021 by the Government of Canada, the day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities, and coincides with Orange Shirt Day. It is meant as a time for reflecting on the tragic and ongoing legacy of the residential school system and finding our own ways to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action.
Orange Shirt Day - Read the story behind the movement
Education, reflection and participation in ongoing activities, experiences, and dialogue is essential to reconciliation. Below is a sampling of resources to help residents further their understanding of the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in our community and across our nation. Much of the information is from external sources and partner organizations, and will be updated as it becomes available.
2022 NDTR Activities
September 16, 1 - 2pm
Tipi Talk with Elder Trish Mongue - Join Elder Trish Monague @LakeheadU to learn more about reconciliation and what it means for all of us. More details are available HERE.
September 16 and 23, 1 - 4pm
Wiigwasitig Gitigaan "Birch Tree Garden" Afternoons - Join Lakehead U for gardening in the Medicine Wheel Teaching Garden and Three Sister Garden on Fridays from 1 to 4 pm. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Please bring water and dress for the weather.
Location: Behind Simcoe Hall, Lakehead U
If you have any questions, please connect with Mercedes Jacko, Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator:
E: orillia.ii@lakeheadu.ca
T: 705-330-4010 ext. 2018.
September 20, 12 - 1pm
Understanding the Role for Allies in Reconciliation with Nicole Richmond - Through @lakeheadU
Nicole Richmond is an Anishinabe lawyer and wellness consultant that helps build capacity and supports Anishinabek nation-building in the areas of governance, education, employment, and child wellbeing. In her talk, Nicole will explore the role for allies in reconciliation. Using an Anishinabe knowledge framework, Nicole will build understanding about some of the perspectives that Anishinabek people and their organizations and governments work within, and will provide tips and tools to non-Indigenous allies to better understand their own perspectives, roles and responsibilities.
To register for this workshop, please click HERE.
September 26, 11:30am - Orillia City Centre
The community is invited to join Mayor and Council at the Orillia City Centre at 50 Andrew St S in raising the Survivors’ Flag to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.
The flag will be lowered half-mast September 30 to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
September 28, 7-9:30pm
Birth of a Family Documentary Screening & Community Conversation - This documentary screening will be followed by a panel discussion with local Elders, Knowledge keepers, Sixties Scoop Survivors and Community advocates on how we can create a better future for all people.
To learn more, or visit www.uswimcoemuskoka/birth-of-a-family/
September 29, 12 - 1pm
Deconstructing the Reconciliation Conversation with Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux - Through @lakeheadU
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University for three years. Effective September2016 she was appointed as the 1st Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University and continues to develop pathways forward to reconciliation across Canada.
Cynthia was the inaugural Nexen Chair for Indigenous Leadership at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and remains a faculty member in the Indigenous Learning program. She is the Chair of the Teach for Canada non-profit which recruits teachers for remote First Nation schools. Cynthia was inducted as a “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2014, and is the Chair of the Governing Circle for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Man
She is a member and resident of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Ontario and has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding. She sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue and applied research initiatives. She is deeply committed to public education and active youth engagement from all cultures and backgrounds. She co-founded a youth project out of the University of Toronto, the University of Saskatchewan and Lakehead University. More information on the Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) can be found at: www.canadianroots.ca.
To register for this workshop, please click HERE.
September 30, 4 - 6pm
Orange Shirt Day Walk - Hosted by the Orillia Native Women's Group, Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle (BRAWC) and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin. Join the walk at the Orillia Opera House or the activities at the Biindigen Pavilion.
October 15, 9am -3:30pm
A Path to Healthy, Equitable Relationships led by educator Kelly Brownbill.
Kelly will take participants through an introduction to Indigenous culture that compares what was here, what was brought here, and how those very different world views collided as the country of Canada was formed.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of Indigenous culture, a better awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous people and communities, and an introduction to relationship building in order to address the history of assimilation and inequities.
Click HERE to register.
October 22
St. Paul's Centre to unveil its third round of the Call To Action 83 art project. More available at http://www.stpaulscentre.ca/
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
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Gojijing Kikendaasogmig: A Place for Knowledge A virtual learning library comprised of local stories and Indigenous teachings developed in consultation with youth leaders, local Elders, teachers and community members. |
Local Groups and Resources
The Orillia Native Women’s Group is a not-for-profit organization serving Indigenous women and their families in Orillia, Simcoe County. They are an Indigenous governed agency committed to the growth and empowerment of Indigenous women. The support the well-being of families, fostering a sense of community by offering opportunities for healing, sharing, and enriching their knowledge of local cultures and traditions.
Banac Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Clinic - ORILLIA
Providing wholistic health care and wellness programming that incorporates Indigenous culturally grounded, collaborative health care to residents of North Simcoe and Muskoka.
210 Memorial Ave, Unit 112A&B
Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Phone: 705-259-9520
Fax: 855-941-2531
Chippewas of Rama First Nation Culture and Research Department
The Culture and Research Department promotes and preserves the rich culture, history, and traditions of First Nations people, in particular that of Rama First Nation. The Culture and Research department also seeks to educate both community members and non-community members alike on a variety of topics related to First Nations.
Regional and National Resources
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Canada - Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada, from an Indigenous perspective.
Senator Murray Sinclair's challenge related to the 94 Calls to Action
MEDIA COVERAGE
Lakehead hopes new crosswalk helps pave way for reconciliation
Georgian's Orillia campus unveils Truth and Reconciliation Trail
Orange Shirt Day a reminder of harrowing life in residential school - Mother of local elder shares her story about trying to escape from residential school and the scars she bears from the 'sorrow (that) is everlasting'
Community effort honours kids who died at residential schools
Area mayors call on province to improve education on Indigenous matters - Orillia Matters
Clarke says, “I just think education has the ability to naturally move reconciliation forward when ... we have a greater understanding of each other's perspective."
Click to read the full article...
St. Paul's Centre
Celebrating a new round of Call to Action #83 at St. Paul's Centre.
Treaties Recognition Week
Treaties Recognition Week was established in Ontario to honour the importance of treaties including the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.
Visit the Ontario Government's webpage for a number of virtual activities.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
