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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.


    Image of an orange t-shirt with the words Every Child Matters on it.

    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.




    The National Truth and Reconciliation logo.


    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, 7:00PM, Moon Gathering, 595 King St W







    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, 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, Chatham

    Come 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, 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)

    University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course (free)

  • Event: National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024 Events

    June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

    We encourage you to participate in local events to honour the day, and National Indigenous History Month (June), as well.


    Wednesday, June 19, 6:00 - 9:00PM

    Indigenous Arts & Craft Market & Strawberry Social

    Deshkan Ziibi, 495 King Street West, Chatham


    Join us for strawberries and ice cream, browse, shop, network, and visit. Free event. All welcome.

    Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, this and other local upcoming events on the 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre website.

    Indigenous vendors looking to participate (free registration) can contact Naomi naomi@skanaflc.com

    Co-sponsored by Ska:na Family Learning Centre, the Bleak House, Women's Equity Business, 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Centre, United Way of Chatham-Kent, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.


    Thursday, June 20, 2024, 6:30PM

    The Spirit Horse Returns

    Chatham Capitol Theatre (238 King Street West)


    Introducing "The Spirit Horse Returns," a captivating orchestral concert production that seamlessly blends diverse North American Indigenous perspectives, stunning visual art, and a rich orchestral score to tell the powerful stories of the Ojibwe Horses.

    The production is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous co-creators, including Anishinaabe artist and Ojibwe Horse breed expert Rhonda Snow, songwriter Jodi Contin (Wasauksing First Nation, composers Kevin Lau (a first-generation Canadian), and Andrew Balfour (of Cree descent), writer and performer Ken MacDonald (an eleventh-generation settler), and featuring musicians from London Symphonia.

    Pre-show art experience with Rhonda Snow one hour prior to each performance in the Rotary Lounge (Lower Level).

    Get evening (open to public) tickets on CKTickets.com

    For more information contact cortnee.goure@sccdsb.net



    Friday, June 21, 2024

    Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration

    High Banks Park, Walpole Island




    Bkejwanong Summer Solstice Celebration this June 21st (National Indigenous Peoples Day) at High Banks Park!

    6:00AM - Sunrise Ceremony at High Banks Lodge (Community Members welcome to bring food)

    12:15PM- Opening Prayer

    12:30PM - Until Full

    - Sign up booth for Pontoon ride (Reminder- No food or drinks on ride)

    - Free BBQ (Hotdogs and Hamburgers)

    1:00PM

    - Inflatables and Dunk Tank

    - Music in the park

    1:30PM - T-shirt Giveaway (1 per person and must be present)

    10PM - FIREWORKS!


    Everyone welcome!


    Bring your own lawn chair.