September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. A Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize the tragic legacy of residential schools, the children who went missing, the families left behind, and the survivors of these institutions.
The Commission wants to help raise awareness about the inter-generational impacts of Indian Residential Schools on individuals, families, and communities. It is important we remember children who were lost to the residential school system and honour all survivors and their families. Learning and commemorating the truth of our history from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledge keepers is an important part of the path to Reconciliation.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers educational programs that emphasize outreach and engagement. The Centre supports all sectors of the Canadian public to explore uncovered truths, engages in conversations of reconciliation and keeps the journey of understanding, healing and empathy alive within individuals, their homes and families.
The Commission has committed to creating a dedicated space on our website to make Indigenous focused resources accessible to the people of the NWT. We will include the NCTRC resources as well as options for financial, educational, and emotional support related to residential schools. Beyond our website, the Commission will continue using our Facebook Page to promote events, activities, and education about and for NWT indigenous groups as one way to keep in touch with residents in communities outside of Yellowknife.
For anyone who may need someone to talk to, the number for the National Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419.
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