With National Truth and Reconciliation Day coming up on Saturday, the continued journey of healing for many Indigenous communities is still ongoing.
Brenda Gunn, the Academic and Research Director at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation in Winnipeg, says the day remains about commemorating the children who didn't survive Residential Schools, and honouring the survivors.
"At the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, we really encourage everyone in Canada, to take some time on the September 30, to learn more about the history and legacy of residential schools, as well as making some commitments to action, to help push reconciliation in Canada," Gunn stated.
Gunn stresses that the day isn't just for Indigenous people.
"It really is a day for all of Canada, to commit to reconciliation. So, part of the strategy that we promote at the Centre, is to start with education. So, figuring out what you know about residential schools, what don't you know, where is the closest residential school to you house, and what more can you learn about that," Gunn said.
People can even use resources on the NCTR website to learn about residential schools nearby.
"There's resources like the NCTR interactive map. Spend some time on the map, find the residential schools closest to you. You can click in and read and learn more about that school. If you already have a basic understanding of residential schools and their impact, learning more about the Indigenous people who live in your area," said Gunn.
While the NCTR wants everyone to learn about the residential school history and impact, they also want people to find ways to take action toward true reconciliation.
"Finding ways for you to make change in your home community, in your family, in your home province, in your country. We all have areas we work in and volunteer in and communities we're part of. So, sharing the information you learn with others," added Gunn.
Regarding the he NCTR itself, Gunn shares that it was born out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and they have a mandate to continue that work. The NCTR is based at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
"So we carry that mandate forward by having an archive of all of the materials that were collected by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We continue to engage in research to understand the history and legacy of residential schools and promote reconciliation, and we do public education and outreach. Particularly in September, we spend the last week promoting Truth and Reconciliation Week activities," Gunn concluded.
Those include educational series for students from kindergarten to grade 12, lunch and learn seminars, as well as the national broadcast ceremony from Parliament Hill on the September 30. Gunn encourages everyone to watch if possible.
