National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Mission Services of Hamilton acknowledges the land on which we live and work is located on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas.
September 30 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, coinciding with Orange Shirt Day. Our programs and services will remain open.
We are encouraging our staff who are settlers to learn and reflect on the legacy of residential schools and its continuing impact on the people we serve and work alongside. We are holding a virtual service and learning opportunity for all staff on September 30.
We encourage all settlers to learn about the residential school system, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and Calls to Action, and support local and national Indigenous organizations. We have included a non-comprehensive list of places to donate, educational resources, and support lines for survivors and their families.
Places to donate:
- Native Women’s Centre Hamilton
- Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
- De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre
- Woodland Cultural Centre
- Indian Residential School Survivor Society
- Legacy of Hope Foundation
Learn/Act:
- Read the TRC Calls to Action
- Write to your local member of parliament (template here)
- Watch personal accounts of residential school survivors
- 10 books about residential schools to read with your kids
- Orange Shirt Day – Phyllis’ Story
- Calls to Action Accountability: A 2020 Status Update on Reconciliation
- 48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools
- Hamilton Public Library Resources
Local and virtual events in the community:
- 1st Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Hamilton Regional Indian Centre – in person)
- The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – A Conversation with Pat Mandy (Afro Canadian Caribbean Association – virtual)
- From Truth To Conciliation: Reflections From Residential School Survivors (Carleton University – virtual)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Learning and Action Workshop (Art Gallery of Hamilton – virtual)
- McMaster Virtual Events (McMaster University, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education Council – virtual and in-person)
- Decolonizing Child Welfare Webinar Panel (Native Child and Family Services of Toronto – virtual)
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (24 hours a day)
Call: 1-866-925-4419
Hope for Wellness (24 hours a day)
Online chat: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/
Call: 1-855-242-3310
