Dedicate time to deepening your understanding of the residential school experience.
In 2021, the Government of Canada established September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families, and communities affected by residential schools.
Since 2013, this date has also been observed as Orange Shirt Day, a moment to reflect on the legacy of Canada’s residential school system. The day is inspired by survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad’s story of her orange shirt. Wearing an orange shirt is a powerful gesture to support the “Every Child Matters” movement and demonstrate your dedication to reconciliation and ongoing learning as part of your personal journey.
To support your ongoing learning, we’ve assembled a list of resources and events in the community:
Artwork: Bison Homecoming by Hannah Strocel
Instagram: @caterpple
ECU Events
Sept 10 – Nov 22 | History Paintings: Gordon Hookey and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun
History Paintings at the Libby Leshgold Gallery features the works of renowned painters Gordon Hookey (Waanyi people) and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun (Cowichan, Hul’q’umi’num’ Coast Salish; and Okanagan, Syilx). Set within the artists’ respective homelands of Australia and Canada, their works offer vivid and powerful reinterpretations of a painting genre typically associated with mythological and classical narratives.
Sept 22 | Weaving Conversations: Stories, Teachings & Tradition
The AGP is hosting a panel series moderated by Angela Paul, with guests Chief Dr. Janice George, Skwxwu7mesh Willard “Buddy” Joseph, and Sam Seward, discussing their artistry and career development.
Oct 8 | Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun in Conversation with Tania Willard
Join us for a conversation between Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun Lets’lo:tseltun and Tania Willard at the Reliance Theatre, located on the ECU campus.
Resources
- The Library team will have a Staff Picks display on the upper level of the library from Sept 25 to Oct 15, focused on Truth and Reconciliation. You can also find resources on Truth & Reconciliation in the Indigenous Topics Research Guide.
- If you would like to purchase an orange shirt, check out this guide with shirts from local Indigenous artists and businesses.
- Read the reports by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
- The National Film Board has assembled a playlist of films on residential schools and one playlist for younger viewers.
Attending
Sept 24 | Coming Full Circle: History and Impacts of Residential Schools
The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS), are hosting an online workshop that offers an honest and compassionate exploration of the history and lasting impacts of residential schools in Canada. Participants will learn how to move forward with awareness, empathy, and meaningful action.
Sept 25 | Indigenous Short Film Festival
The VPL will showcase various Indigenous shorts for a full afternoon of films at the Central Branch location. Drop in for an afternoon of cinema at the Montalbano Family Theatre – stay for a little or buckle in for all 237 min of non-stop Indigenous short films. Check out the lineup here.
Sept 30 | Truth & Reconciliation Day Screening
Trout Lake Community Centre is hosting a free screening of two National Film Board documentaries, Siksikakowan: The Blackfoot Man and Mary Two-Axe Earley: I Am Indian Again, which explore Indigenous identity, history and resilience.
Sept 30 | National Day of Truth & Reconciliation
The Museum of North Vancouver is hosting a full day of events, panels and reflections, which will be led by the museum’s Indigenous Cultural Programmers, Jordan Dawson & Tsawaysia Spukwus. The event is pay-what-you-can, and guests can expect hands-on activities, guided tours, and more.
September 30 | Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day
The UBC Faculties of Land and Food Systems and Forestry are hosting a march at the UBC campus to honour survivors and their families.
Supports for Indigenous Community Members
- The Aboriginal Gathering Place at Emily Carr University is also open to Indigenous community members daily, Monday through Friday.
- First Nations Health Authority mental health benefits – FNHA partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer First Nations people in BC a comprehensive mental health plan. The plan covers counselling services from a qualified mental health provider, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line– a 24-hour crisis line for survivors and families of survivors. Call toll-free: 1-866-925-4419
- Native Women’s Association of Canada – The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.
- The Hope for Wellness line provides culturally competent counselling for Indigenous people across the country at any time and can be reached toll-free at 1.855.242.3310. Services are available in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut upon request.
- Kuu-Us Crisis Line Society provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC and can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. For adults/Elders, call 250-723-4050; for youth, call 250-723-2040.
- Métis Crisis Line is a service of the Métis Nation British Columbia. Call 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722).
Support Resources
- Trauma-informed counselling services are available to ECU students.
- The BC Bereavement Helpline is the only free, grief-specific helpline via phone and email in Canada. You can reach them toll-free at 1-877-779-2223 and contact@bcbh.ca.
- For ECU staff and faculty, employee and family assistance services are available online at workhealthlife.com or by phone at 1.844.880.9142 (TTY 1.877.338.0275). These services are free and confidential.
- A list of further resources and community supports is available online, including 24-hour crisis supports, distress supports and free/reduced-cost counselling.