Youth Perspective | Be a ConnectR

Watch HeartSpeak TV to learn the history of Residential Schools

Head, Health & Wellness, Learn/Education, Listen, Reconciliation 101, Spirit, Watch, Youth Perspective

Heartspeak is about sharing stories that inspire and providing inspirational educational media to support well-being and success. In this segment, Senator Murray Sinclair (Chair, Truth & Reconciliation Commission) provides background on the history of residential schools and the work of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. He highlights the need to teach the history and intergenerational impact of residential schools and our shared responsibility to forge a new relationship of mutual respect and trust.

Learn the History of Louis Riel

Head, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Read, Reconciliation 101, Youth Perspective

Drawn and Quarterly

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.

Volunteer at powwows, round dances & community events

Body, Current Events, Kids/Family, Participate, Volunteer, Youth Perspective

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

Access Age Appropriate Teaching Resources

Head, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Reconciliation 101, Youth Perspective

The 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.

Use The Gathering: A Compilation of Teaching Resources

Head, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Reconciliation 101, Youth Perspective

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!

Read for Reconciliation with Kids & Youth

Head, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Read, Spirit, Youth Perspective

CBC Reading List for Young Readers

Saskatoon Public Library

Todays Parent Book List

Use these lists as a source of great books, comics and stories for kids, youth and teens.

Read Comic Books & Graphic Novels About Reconciliation

Head, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Read, Youth Perspective

CBC Gaming/Comic Book Guide for Parents

Native Realities

Strong Nations

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!

Join a Youth Reconciliation Project

Body, Kids/Family, Spirit, Youth Perspective

Learn 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.

Read One Thunderous Voice: A Youth E-Journalism Project

Art & Music, Current Events, Head, Kids/Family, Spirit, Youth Perspective

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.

Connect Youth to Reconciliation Work

Spirit, Youth Perspective

Indigenous Youth Voices is a project that seeks to gather input from Inuit, Métis and First Nations youth across Canada on how best to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 66 to deliver programs that can empower and support Indigenous Youth. Read this CBC article about the project!

Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Report

Around the World, Art & Music, Cultural Understandings, Current Events, Facts & Figures, Food, Head, Health & Wellness, Kids/Family, Language, Learn/Education, Listen, Participate, Politics & Leaders, Protocols, Read, Reconciliation 101, Safe Spaces, Shopping, Social Media, Support, This Land, True History, Volunteer, Watch, Work, Youth Perspective

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.

Read About Hockey Player Jordin Tootoo & Give to the Team Tootoo Fund

Current Events, Head, Support, Youth Perspective

Jordin Tootoo

Jordin Tootoo is the first person of Inuk descent to suit up in the NHL. Read his story and find out about the Team Tootoo Fund which he established in 2011 to give back to his community.