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.

Support Amensty International Campaigns for Reconciliation

Around the World, Heart, Youth Perspective

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, impoverishment, food insecurity, unsafe drinking water and inadequate housing are merely few examples of the many epidemics happening to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Learn from and become part of Amnesty International’s work for Indigenous rights.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Listen to Indigenous Youth

Heart, Listen, Youth Perspective

CBC’s The Current covers a public forum held to discuss the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and how the traumas of Indigenous youth are connected to the violence against Indigenous women.

Read Youth Visions for Reconciliation

Head, Kids/Family, Spirit, Youth Perspective

Office 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.

Participate in Orange Shirt Day Events

Body, Kids/Family, Learn/Education, Participate, Spirit, Youth Perspective

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.