Indigenous History Month is a time for all Canadians to reflect upon and learn about the colonial history of Canada and to learn how to take part in dismantling this structure of colonialism. It is also a time to celebrate and learn about the cultures, resiliency and beauty of Indigenous peoples.
In light of the recent discovery in Kamloops and in honour of the 215 children found, the CDL Diversity & Inclusion Committee shares with you some residential school specific information for your review and consideration.
First, here is a statement from The Honourable Murray Sinclair, June 1 2021 on the discovery of the mass grave: https://www.facebook.com/Sincmurr1951/videos/189562956275355
The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has compiled a list of ways all Canadians can help residential school survivors and their families by:
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action; learning about the impacts of the residential school system.
You can read the Truth and Reconciliation Co mmission’s 94 Calls to Action HERE:
http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
You can Listen to Survivors HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdR9HcmiXLA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peLd_jtMdrc
You can read about residential schools HERE:
https://www.amazon.ca/National-Crime-Canadian-Government-Residential/dp/0887556469
- Contact your local MPs and MLAs to call on them to implement the TRC’s Calls to Action.
Find the contact for your Member of Parliament HERE:
https://www.ourcommons.ca/en/contact-us
- Support Indigenous led community organizations.
Support the Indian Residential School Survivors Society HERE:
https://www.irsss.ca/donate
Support the First Nations Caring Society HERE:
https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do
- Raise awareness in your community and social circle about residential schools (wear your orange shirts and encourage others to support survivors and learn about residential schools).
You can purchase an orange shirt to show your support of survivors HERE:
https://www.orangeshirtday.org/shirts--gifts.html
*If you or anyone you know is a residential school survivor or family member, effective immediately the IRSS Emergency Crisis Line is available 24/7 for those that need counselling support – Call 1-800-721-0066 or 1-866-925-4419.*
Authored by Christina J. Cook, CDL D&I Committee Vice Chair