On September 30, our Canadian studios will be closed in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day recognizes and commemorates the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and honours their survivors, their families, and the communities of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
In 2021 DIALOG’s Governing Council and Partnership voted unanimously to adopt this day of recognition, granting each DIALOGer in Canada a paid day off.
As part of DIALOG’s path in working towards reconciliation, our Indigenous Storytelling Team (IST) hosted a workshop to learn more about the history of land acknowledgements and how to make them meaningful; tips and tricks for finding reliable resources; how to perform a tobacco offering and where to find a tobacco box in our studios; and how we can incorporate these important gestures in our personal reconciliation journey.
The IST also compiled a list of suggested resources to aid in our learnings, 365 days a year. We hope you find them helpful and enriching in your own reconciliation journey.
What You Can Do
Wear Orange
Show your solidarity by wearing an orange shirt throughout the week of September 26 leading up to Orange Shirt Day. By wearing orange, you are showing your shared commitment towards reconciliation and truth and are honouring residential school survivors and those who did not make it home.
Take ReconcilACTION
ReconciliACTION means creating awareness and taking meaningful action to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples together in the spirit of reconciliation. Consider buying products from Indigenous-owned businesses, researching Indigenous communities near you to learn about the contributions they have made to your community, studying an Indigenous language, or learning a land acknowledgement in your region.
Educate yourself
Learn more about Phyllis Webstad, her experiences with the residential school system, and the origins of Orange Shirt Day in Canada:
Phyllis Webstad – On Orange Shirt Day
Listen to a podcast
Residential Schools, on Spotify
Kuper Island, on CBC Listen
Still Here Still Healing, on Apple Podcasts
2 Crees in a Pod, on Apple Podcasts
A Treacherous Choice And A Treaty Right, on Code Switch via npr
Watch something
The Water Walker, on CRAVE
Our People Will Be Healed, on Prime Video
We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice, on Prime Video
The People of the Kattawapiskak River, on Prime Video
Gather, on Netflix
History of Native California, on YouTube
For the kids…
Spirit Rangers, on Netflix (coming out October 1, 2022)
Legend of Sarila, on Prime Video
Indigenous Art Adventures with Lance Cardinal, on YouTube (watch out for Lance on APTN with his upcoming miniseries “Raven’s Quest” on tvokids)
Read up
The Orange Shirt Story, by Phyllis Webstad
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America, by Thomas King
When We Were Alone, by David A. Robertson – a great introduction to the truths of residential schools for younger children.
Our Voices: Indigeneity and Architecture, by Rebecca Kiddle, Luugigyoo Patrick Stewart, Kevin O’Brien
Reclaiming Indigenous Planning, by Ryan Walker, Ted Jojola, David Natcher
Attend an event
Culture Days has curated an extensive list of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events across Canada
Donate
10 ways to donate to Indigenous communities in Canada
18 Indigenous-led nonprofits to support this Indigenous Peoples’ Day
About DIALOG’s Indigenous Storytelling Team
This grassroots group came together with the common goal of helping DIALOG and DIALOGers become better allies, to create space for Indigenous stories to be heard, and to improve conversation about Indigenous perspectives and knowledge and how it applies to our work.
By gaining a foundation of knowledge for Indigenous-settler history we can build upon and learn more about Indigenous perspectives so we can continue to meaningfully improve the wellbeing of communities and the environment we all share, as allies together with Indigenous peoples.