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National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in CK 2024
September 30th is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read on to learn about these days, how they are being honoured in Chatham-Kent, where to find support, and continue learning.
About Orange Shirt Day
The Orange Shirt Day movement was started by Phyllis Jack Webstad, a member of Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation and residential school Survivor. As she prepared to go to residential school at six years old, Phyllis's grandmother bought her a new orange shirt. When she arrived at the school, the shirt was taken from her. For Phyllis, the shirt represented her experience at residential school, and the neglect and harm children faced. Today, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led, commemorative day to reflect, learn, and raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of residential schools. September 30th was chosen because it's the time of year children would be taken from their home to residential schools.
Learn more about Orange Shirt Day from the Orange Shirt Society or read the book Phyllis's Orange Shirt.
About National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized by the Government of Canada in 2021 as a result of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This is a day to lean in, listen, and learn about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including residential schools. It's a day to learn the 'truth' of our shared history, but also about how we can create pathways towards reconciliation and healing in our personal and professional lives.
Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day on the Government of Canada website.
Supports
You are not alone. Reach out if you need support.
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help 24/7 to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. 1.855.242.3310 (toll free) or online chat www.hopeforwellness.ca
National Residential School Crisis Line provides 24/7 crisis support to former Residential School students and their families. 1.866.925.4419 (toll free)
Find additional supports on the Downie Wenjack website.
Honouring Truth & Reconciliation in Chatham-Kent
Below is a list of some of the events happening in Chatham-Kent in honour of Orange Shirt Day and in the spirit of Truth & Reconciliation.
To share other events, contact the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447
People are encouraged to wear orange at all events. All events are open to everyone unless otherwise noted.
Thank you to the many community partners and people who are working to offer these opportunities to come together in the spirit of reconcili-ACTION.
Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10:00 AM, Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Imagination Station, CK Museum
Partnership between CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.
Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.
Monday, September 16,2024, 1:00 - 4:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Chatham Riverscape
Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.
All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 7:00 PM - 8:30, Moon Teachings, 495 King St WBehind the Coach House, at fire.
Learn about BIINAAKWE GIIZIS, Falling Leaves Moon.
This is around a fire. Bring a lawn chair and dress for outdoors. Bring a glass jar with a lid (optional) to gather energy from the Moon. Visit www.7gicfc.org for more information
Friday, September 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sacred Fire, CKHA Wallaceburg Front Lawn
Hosted by Chatham-Kent Health Alliance's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Department. Hold space to remember and honour the children who are still missing and did not return home from Residential Schools and Day Schools, to honour the Survivors of these institutions, and to understand the intergenerational impacts that continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today.
All are welcome. Drop-in with speakers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you wish to sit.
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 AM Takwihleew Orange Shirt Pin Workshop, Wallaceburg Branch, CK Public Library
Partnership between CK Public Library, CK Museums and Come Together CK. Sponsored by Mainstreet Credit Union.
Registration required via the municipal website or 519.360.1998.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM GINDAASDAA Circle, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St W and Online
A book club focusing on Indigenous authors who have written about Indigenous Knowledge, Reconciliation, and Worldviews. There is a recommended reading list available. One book is chosen to read, review, and discuss in bi-monthly Gindaasdaa Circle meetings. September book is Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future compiled and edited by Drew Hayden Taylor.
All Welcome. Contact Naomi at naomi@skanaflc.com to register.
GINDAASDAA means 'looking at something together and learning from it' in the Ojibwe language.
This meeting will also happen with virtual attendees at River Bookshop in Amherstburg.
Thursday, September 26, 2024, 12:00 PM Flag Raising, Civic Centre, ChathamCome together as a community to learn about and raise the Truth & Reconciliation Survivor's flag and learn about local initiatives to support Reconcli-ACTION in Chatham-Kent.
Orange shirts and orange shirt cookies will be available for purchase in support of local Indigenous-led and reconciliation-related programs.
Friday, September 27, 2024, 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM, Rise-N-Shine, Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King St W, Chatham
7:00 AM Sunrise teachings. 7:30 AM Morning stretches. 8:00 AM Breakfast snack.
Behind the Coach House.
Friday, September 27, 2024, 10:00 AM Orange Shirt Day Stories & Activities, Chatham Branch, CK Public Library
Join the CK Public Library & Ska:na Family Learning Centre for stories and activities to recognize and support Orange Shirt Day. Drop-in. Best suited for children 0-5 years of age.
Monday, September 30, 2024, 10:30 AM Healing Walk and Gathering, Wallaceburg
Walk starts at Wallaceburg Library Branch, 209 James St. Gathering at Civic Square Park to follow.
Walk together and listen to guest speakers share their experiences and ideas about how we can heal.
Note: Survivors will share experiences of residential schools.
Partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Walpole Island First Nation Giyakiishchigewin program.
Monday, September 30, 2024, 12:00 - 5:00 PM Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Tilbury Branch, CK Public Library
Drop in at the CK Public Library Tilbury Branch to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.
Monday, September 30 - Saturday, October 5, 2024, Orange Shirt Pin Drop-In, Wheatley Branch, CK Public Library
Drop in at the CK Public Library Wheatley Branch during open hours this week to make your own orange shirt pint. No registration required.
Thursday, October 10, 2024, Homelands, Chatham Capitol Theatre
Partnership with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. Performance by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre.
A celebration of life and nature in Indigenous dance! Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time and connection with Homelands, choreographed by renowned Six Nations of the Grand River artist Santee Smith. This award-winning multimedia performance explores the timeless kinship between Indigenous women and their lands and waterways, in a striking fusion of video projection, live dance and music.
A morning performance for school groups is also available: please contact Cortnee Goure at cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net or 519-627-6762 x10231 for more information or to register your class.
Learn
September 30th is a great time to commit to learning year-round. Resources to support learning are included below. This list is not a comprehensive list, but is meant as a starting place.
Listen:
A Day to Listen (September 30th)
Tune in to your favourite local radio station to learn about Indigenous arts and cultures, and how you can #DoSomething. Learn more from the Downie & Wenjack Fund website.
Watch:
Orange Shirt Day
Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day through this Youtube video by the Orange Shirt Society.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Lunch and Learns (September 23-27)
Open to anyone, five different webinars are offered throughout the week covering everything from the history and impacts of residential school, unconscious bias, to frameworks for how to move towards reconciliation. Learn more from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
Read:
Residential Schools Timeline
A visual timeline of residential schools in Canada. Find it on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action
Drafted from consultations with residential schools survivors and family members across the Canada. Recommendations are directed at individuals, organizations, and all levels of government. Read the Calls to Action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.
CK Road to Understanding Indigenous Cultures
Learn about local First Nations, relationships with government, and Treaties. Find the resource on the Living CK website. Hard copies of this resource are available by contacting the DEIJ Coordinator DEIJ@chatham-kent.ca or 226.312.2023 x. 2447
The Witness Blanket
Explore items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings accompanied by the voices of Survivors. Visit The Witness Blanket website.
Training:
The following organizations offer training to meet Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 57:
Indigenous Corporate Training (fee based)
4 Seasons of Reconciliation (fee based)
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Event: Aug 31 & Sept 1 2024 Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit Pow Wow
On August 31st and September 1st 2024, Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit will host their 52nd Annual Competition Pow Wow.
Free to attend. All are welcome.
Learn more about the Pow Wow on their website.
Contact organizers at Powwow2024@delawarenation.on.ca or 519.692.3936 with questions or concerns.
Learn more about Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit
Learn more about the Lunaapeew and , Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit on their website.
Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:
A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training
Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training
Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training
Tips for Attending:
- Listen to the Master of Ceremonies – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.
- Ask permission before taking pictures.
- Want to get in on the dancing? Listen for the Intertribal dances - these are for all people present to partake in the dance.
- Don’t touch people’s regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.
- Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.
- Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.
- Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.
- Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.
- Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.
- Leave pets at home. Accredited service animals we welcomed.
- Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.
- Have fun!