10 Children’s Books About Residential Schools
“The following ten books reflect on the residential school experience in different ways. They have all been identified as age-appropriate for children under 12 by reputable organizations.”
Visit the Orange Shirt Day website to learn about how to participate and use this opportunity to educate others about Residential Schools. Wear an Orange Shirt Day, set aside time to connect with local Reconciliation events, or learn on your own.
This CBC News article includes a short video and looks at a program at Wanuskewin Heritage Park —a walking tour of medicinal plants used by Indigenous peoples. Or read Braiding Sweet: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. “As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers.” A delicious read.
“The KAIROS Blanket Exercise™ program is a unique, participatory history lesson – developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators – that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.” Many local organizations now offer facilitation for this exercise. It’s an incredible learning experience to continue your journey of Reconciliation.
Eagle Feather Event News
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Event Listings
Further your journey of Reconciliation by attending events in your community. Volunteer with the organizers, meet new people, learn about Indigenous culture and history, and share your experiences.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation is a multi-media teaching unit that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians, through transformative learning. Learn about youth from across Canada who have created various projects that seek out solutions for Reconciliation. Get inspired to pursue your own projects.
Do you have questions about residential schools and reconciliation, but don’t know who or where to ask? Do you want to do your part, however big or small, to help the country heal but don’t know how?
Picking up the Pieces follows the journey of making the Witness Blanket – a national monument that commemorates the experiences of residential school survivors across Canada.
What are your talents, skills and passions? Connect with Indigenous organizations in your community and offer your skills. You’ll build relationships, meet Elders, and learn about authentic engagement along the way.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is the permanent home for all statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Learn more about their work.
The centre created this video to explain their work keeping the issues of Truth and Reconciliation alive.
Learn About Indigenous Medicinal Plants
“Medicine is all around us. For centuries, Indigenous peoples found all of the medicine they needed on the land, using plants to treat a variety of ailments and conditions.” Learn more from the guides at Wanuskewin.
Things to know about Traditional Medicine
Traditional foods in British Columbia
Understanding Indigenous health and wellness is often connected to food and medicine. The First Nations Health Authority provides insight into the traditional foods and medicines of particular Indigenous communities.
