National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th, 2021

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (opens in new window) , as well as Orange Shirt Day. (opens in new window)  We recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools, and we remember those who were lost, survivors and their families. 

Today is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, reconciliation and justice with First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada, as well as take action, heal, and foster real allyship.

To honour this day, we’ve put together a list of resources, including resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs, business owners, and founders. We have also put together a list of books, podcasts, and films related to National Truth and Reconciliation Day, as well as ideas for ways to engage your community on this day. 

For Indigenous entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses:

• bdc, Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan (external link, opens in new window) 
• Ontario Business Grants, Aboriginal Business Grants (external link, opens in new window) 
• Indigenous ACE (external link, opens in new window) 
• ICUBE UTM, Indigenous Entrepreneurship Program (external link, opens in new window) 

To Read:

For adults: 

•  (PDF file) Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (external link, opens in new window) 
• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (external link, opens in new window) 
• 17 books to read for Orange Shirt Day (external link, opens in new window) 

For children:

• Scholar's Choice books for children to read on Orange Shirt Day (external link, opens in new window) 
• Indigo, Top 10 Books Orange Shirt Day Kids' Books (external link, opens in new window) 

Watch

• Centre for Social Innovation, Six videos to watch on Orange Shirt Day (external link, opens in new window) 
• REEL Canada, Indigenous Made Films (external link, opens in new window) 
• NFB, Orange Shirt Day (external link, opens in new window)  (14+)

Listen

• University of Toronto, Indigenous Story Tellers: Podcasts (external link, opens in new window) 
• APTN, National News Podcasts (external link, opens in new window) 
• CBC, 7 Indigenous-themed Podcasts to Enlighten You (external link, opens in new window) 

Engage

• Have a conversation with your family, colleagues and friends about Truth and Reconciliation, about Residential and Day Schools, and about what you are doing to educate yourself.
• Do meaningful Cultural Awareness Training (external link, opens in new window) 
• Attend an event (either online or in person socially distanced): Taking up the TRC Calls to Action in our Teaching (opens in new window) ; Book Talk: Moon of the Crusted Snow with Waubgeshig Rice (opens in new window) ; Ontario Orange Shirt Day (external link, opens in new window) ; Hart House - Orange Shirt Day Events (external link, opens in new window) 
• Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website (external link, opens in new window) 
• Honour the treaties of the land you occupy: ontario.ca/page/treaties (opens in new window) ; native-land.ca
• Learn about the significance of land acknowledgements and learn the one in your area (external link, opens in new window) 
• Wear an Orange Shirt