The Water Walker by Anishinaabe author, illustrator and water protection activist Joanne Robertson tells the true story of Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother who walks to protect Nibi (water) for future generations.
#ExploreCan was a program created by Canadian Geography Education with a year of virtual events and learning resources exploring Canada, science, environmental stewardship largely focused on truth and reconciliation.
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The work of decolonization requires readers, young and old, to diversify the stories they consume. IndigiNews created this list for Decolonizing your teen’s bookshelf and this one for Decolonizing your child’s bookshelf.
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Teoni Spathelfer writes the stories that “have always been part of who I am as far back as I can remember.” Little Wolf starts the series of three children’s books.
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If you are looking for resources for reconciliation to support youth, check out Medicine Wheel Education. They publish culturally authentic Indigenous books, resources and tools specialized for moral and cultural education for children. Titles include Beyond the Orange Shirt Story and Drum for the Heart.
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The Métis: A Visual History is a stunning and visually commanding resource covering over three hundred years of history and culture starting with the birth of the Métis Nation.
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Canada’s History has lesson plans, including this one for youth in Grade 7, 8, 9, Gibaajimominaan: Our Stories. This lesson has students learn from residential school Survivors and consider what they can do to support the Survivors and their families.
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Looking for ways to engage in kids in reconciliation? The blog Red Tricycle created a great list: 9 Indigenous Heroes Every Kid Should Know About
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The Parent Toolkit presents a How To on Talking to Kids about Race and Racism. As they say, there’s no question, talking about race can be sensitive, and yes, even a bit messy.
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The Presbyterian Church in Canada created a guide for Reconciliation Activities for Children, answering some of the calls from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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Siha Tooskin Knows is a series children’s books reinforcing the importance of Indigenous culture, including Siha Tooskin Knows the Love of the Dance on why powwows are so important.
Read MoreThe History of Food in Canada Is the History of Colonialism
An article in Walrus magazine looks at the destruction of Indigenous food systems and asks what would it take to restore them.
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THE GATHERING Educators from North West Community College/University of Regina Community-Based Masters Program have compiled First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI) teaching resources that can be adapted for all students. While the website is focused on teachers, anyone starting their Reconciliation journey will find this to be a useful tool!
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Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre is an ambitious theatre company based in Saskatoon that presents unique Indigenous theatre and youth programs. Attend their plays or donate. If Indigenous theatre is not in your community, read plays by longtime GTNT contributor, playwright/actor Curtis Peeteetuce or Canadian icon Thomson Highway.
Also, check out the Poundmaker Indigenous Performance Festival, with it’s goal of celebrating the talent and diversity of local Indigenous singers, dancers, poets, and actors.
Read MoreOffice of The Treaty Commissioner Website
In March 2017, the Office of the Treaty Commissioner invited 45 youth between the ages of 18 and 30 years to gather and imagine their lives 40 years in the future—in a time when Reconciliation has been successful. Read about their vision for Reconciliation.
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Use graphic novels to introduce youth to history! Chester Brown, creator of the Louis Riel graphic novel, retells the history of the nineteenth-century Métis Rebellion lead by Prairie Métis Louis Riel. Get the graphic novel at Drawn and Quarterly.
Explore the history of Louis Riel in this video by the Cable Public Affairs Channel or this article in the Canadian Encyclopedia.
Read MoreLearn about a project by Canadian Roots Exchange. The Youth Reconciliation Initiative (YRI) invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to train, envision and build nation-wide reconciliation. From Coast to Coast, these youth raise awareness, connect Canadian citizens and build conciliation across Canada.
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One Thunderous Voice is a project that brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to engage in e-journalism projects at community events focused on Truth and Reconciliation. Teachers and students from two schools have joined forces: the Constable Robin Cameron Education Complex at Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation, and Aden Bowman Collegiate Institute in Saskatoon, SK.
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Look at the National Film Board’s website to find short films for younger learners (ages 6 – 11) by Indigenous filmmakers from across Canada.
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Indigenous Children’s TV Shows
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network has many Indigenous children’s TV shows to choose from, including for example Louis Says, a show about an Aboriginal elder who speaks mostly Cree and a 10-year old boy who speaks only English. Some episodes can also be watched online.
Read More“Six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin echoed with the thundering hooves of bison and the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains.” Wanuskewin provides tours and programs that share these stories, which still echo through the land.
Read MoreCBC Gaming/Comic Book Guide for Parents
Comic books and graphic novels can be a great way to start the path towards Reconciliation—and there are many titles out there for kids and adults. Start with these lists to discover titles and authors!
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CBC Reading List for Young Readers
Use these lists as a source of great books, comics and stories for kids, youth and teens.
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Friendship Centres provide services to urban Indigenous communities. Friendship Centres were first established in the 1950s, and there are now more than 100 Centres across Canada. Find your local Friendship Centre through the National Association of Friendship Centres or visit:
Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centres
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.
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Use the following links to learn about opportunities to attend Indigenous events and powwows. If you’re unsure about who can attend, feel free to contact event organizers.
Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre for SK events & programming
IndigenousTourism.ca for national events
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.
Read MoreThe National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has teaching resources organized according to age groups. They also host ongoing activities and programs for students to learn about Reconciliation and get involved.
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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.”
Read MoreYou are beginning a path of Reconciliation by visiting ConnectR and choosing to answer some of the calls to action listed here. Share your learning journey on social media and challenge your friends and family to get involved! Use the hashtag #beaconnectr and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Everyone, at some point in their journey of Reconciliation, needs to read the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.” Or connect here to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Final Report to read other sections and excerpts.
We have included this action in every category and every path on this website as a reminder of how important it is for us to understand the history and path of Reconciliation in our country.
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Volunteering is an opportunity to not only learn, but interact with others and build relationships—the heart of reconciliation. Find an event, call the organizer, and get out there!
Office of the Treaty Commissioner’s Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre for SK events & programming
IndigenousTourism.ca for national events
This education guide is a project of Historica Canada and includes teacher tips, historical timelines, and suggested activites for students. But it’s not just for teachers and students. Treaties in Canada is a great introduction for everyone.
Read MoreParks Canada Travel Experience
Parks Canada and their Indigenous partners offer meaningful journeys to explore Indigenous roots in Canada, interacting with First Nation, Métis and Inuit cultures.
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The Heritage Minutes are a collection of bilingual Canadian 60-second short films, each depicting a significant person, event or story in Canadian history. First released in 1991, they have been shown on television, in cinemas and online, and have become a part of Canadian culture.
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Mocikan by Art Napoleon on Spotify
Listen to this collection of children’s songs sung in Cree by Art Napoleon, including the “Animal Song” and “Bannock Boogie.”
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Powwow Guide
First Nations University of Canada on Powwows
Interested in going to a powwow, but not sure what to expect? These links offer guidelines about taking your family to a powwow for the first time. Most powwows are open to everyone and can be a powerful way to experience Indigenous culture and art.
When are powwows happening in your community? Check out these event calendars:
Office of the Treaty Commissioner Events Calendar
Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre
Indigenous Canada
University of Saskatchewan Annual Graduation Powwow
Send your kids to Indigenous summer camps, where kids learn about the people who lived on this land for thousands of years through traditional games, crafts, music, dancing, food, and outdoor activities.
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Mother Earth Colouring and Activity Book
Mother Earth: Colouring and Activity Book, by artist Leah Marie Dorion gives people the opportunity to explore and discover Indigenous culture through colouring.
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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.
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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.
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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?
Read MoreThis Northern Plains Indigenous Interpretive Site is home to over 6000 years of history, and truly unique cultural experience for the whole family.
Read MoreBatoche National Historic Site
Journey back in time to talk with a 19th century Métis settler about life on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
Read MoreVisiting different playgrounds around Saskatoon is a great way to meet new families from different backgrounds and cultures, play together, and learn that we have much in common.
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