CBC’s As It Happens on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission
It’s a call for a nation-wide commitment to Reconciliation. After six years of hearings and testimony, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission put forward 94 recommendations to address the “cultural genocide” of Aboriginal peoples through Canada’s residential school system. Listen to interviews on CBC’s As It Happens to hear from the Commissioners
A family-friendly festival packed with fiddle, guitar and jigging workshops and concerts, and a Métis cultural camp including finger weaving, beading, storytelling and dancing.
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack
This powerful exercise was first published in 1989 by Peggy McIntosh. This link will allow you to download the original article, as well as access useful tools and resources for facilitators. An important step in Reconciliation is recognizing where white privilege exists and working to end inequality.
The International Indigenous Speakers’ Bureau has an incredible range of speakers that can address topics from health/wellness, arts, history to business and sports: “IISB is about creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to connect, and build bridges, by providing access to a wealth of Indigenous Speakers around the world.”
Find art galleries in your community that showcase the work of Indigenous artists. Visual and performance artists that focus on Indigenous historical, traditional and contemporary art can inspire and educate. Here are some around Saskatchewan: Wanuskewin, First Nations University Art Gallery, Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective Regina
Or visit The Allen Sapp Gallery: The Gonor Collection virtually or in person in North Battleford!
Two Spirits, One Voice is a community-based initiative that seeks to bolster supports for persons that identify both as LGBTQ and Indigenous: Two Spirit people. Start by watching their 16 minute video!
National Indigenous People’s Day
Recognize dates that honour Indigenous peoples and stories. Follow these links for a good starting point and post on social media on those dates to increase awareness and start conversations.
The Indigenous Group of Seven in Muskrat Magazine
Jackson Beardy (Cree), Eddy Cobiness (Ojibway), Alex Janvier (Dene, Saulteaux), Norval Morrisseau (Ojibway), Daphne Odjig (Potawatomi, Odawa), Carl Ray (Cree) and Joseph Sanchez (Pueblo, Spanish, German) are the Indigenous visual artists that are now recognized as The Indigenous Group of Seven. Read about their contributions!
“Upstream is a movement to create a healthy society through evidence-based, people-centred ideas. Upstream seeks to reframe public discourse around addressing the social determinants of health in order to build a healthier society.” Their blog is an excellent source of stories and facts pertaining to Indigenous health and wellness.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Online Store
The Wanuskewin Heritage Park Online Store offers a selection of beautiful authentic and traditional pieces, from jewelry to home décor to artwork, hand-crafted by local artists using natural materials.
Cree Nation Art and Wisdom Colouring Book
The Colouring It Forward – Cree Nation Art & Wisdom Colouring Book features the beautiful art created by Cree artists Sam Bighetty and Delree Dumont as well as teachings and stories from John Sinclair, a Cree elder born in Alberta.
Follow these links for more opportunities to listen and watch Chief Dr. Robert Joseph invite all Canadians to become active participants in the journey of Reconciliation:
Healing a Nation Through Truth and Reconciliation | TEDxEastVan
