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National Truth and Reconciliation Week is September 23 – 30, 2024. Orangeville Public Library commits to listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. We have a responsibility to share the true history of what happened at Indian residential schools and the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities.
Orangeville Public Library will be open on Monday, September 30, and we encourage our community to spend the day reflecting on the devastating legacy of residential schools. OPL’s collections, programs, and resources can support you on this journey.
Local Events
Below are events throughout the community that may be of interest.
Past Promises, Present Realities: Thursday, September 26, 6:30 p.m., hosted by the County of Dufferin
At “Past Promises, Present Realities”, Dr. Taiaiake Alfred will discuss Truth and Reconciliation, with a particular focus on past commitments, present realities and pathways forward towards true reconciliation between Canada and First Nations.
Dr. Alfred will provide attendees with a First Nations perspective on roots and dynamics of the Indigenous-state relationship and initiate constructive dialogue on ways the County and Canadians can contribute to the resurgence of First Nations peoples and embody Canada’s legal commitment to the principles of reconciliation.
The event will take place at the Monora Park Pavillion on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Registration is required.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Lunch and Learns
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is introducing a series of free virtual adult education lunch and learns during Truth and Reconciliation Week (Sept. 23 - 27). Led by Survivors and other subject matter experts, these sessions will feature discussions around the history of the residential school experience, intergenerational impacts, Indigenous rights, taking action towards Reconciliation, and more.
Register to participate.
Support is available for anyone affected by residential schools through the 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.
Every Feather Counts: Saturday, September 28, 4 p.m., presented by The Brave Canoe
Meet at the Medicine Garden in Bravery Park behind Alder Recreation Centre at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 28. Experience a teaching from The Brave Canoe about the importance of National Truth & Reconciliation and paint wooden feathers together. The wooden feathers will be hung from the trees to symbolize the gifts of all children. In Indigenous cultures, feathers are often told to be a gift from the Creator and symbolize the connection between the owner, the Creator, and the bird from which they came.
Art supplies will be provided. Orange Shirts with artwork from the talented Indigenous artist, Isaac Murdoch will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the sale go back into programming at The Brave Canoe.
Storytimes:
Read Alouds on the Orangeville Public Library’s YouTube Channel
- Celebrating Indigenous Stories and Teachings
- Orange Shirt Day
- Watch an additional reading about the Residential Schools
Visit Tales on the Trail at Island Lake CVC in the Natural Playground to read September's featured title - Phyllis's Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad.
Recommended Reads:
Additional Resources:
- Museum of Dufferin - Indigenous History and Treaty Lands in Dufferin County – A Resource Guide
- 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Report
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Woodland Cultural Centre - Indigenous Preservation Museum - Explore the rich histories and contemporary cultures of Indigenous people of the Great Lakes region
- Kevin Lamoureux – Reconciliation is a Gift (YouTube video)
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- How to Say Hello in 15 Indigenous Languages
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