Truth And Reconciliation

Inspiring Communities acknowledges the ongoing trauma caused by the residential school system and systemic injustices to First Nations, Inuit, Metis Nation children.

Our office will be closed on Monday, October 2, in recognition of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day (September 30). Our intention is to use this day to reflect and learn more about Canada’s painful past.

We invite you to also learn more about it, discuss among your circles, and together, let us do our part in healing our communities.

Resources to explore:

• Establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada
• Residential School History
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Statement of Apology to Former Students of Indian Residential Schools
• Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
• Resources for learning the Mi’kmaq language

Podcasts of interest:

• P’jilasi Mi’kma’ki (2015, 6 episodes)
• Mi’kmaq Matters (2016-2023 ongoing, 271 episodes)
• Mi’kmaq: First Nation people – by The Open University (2013, 12 episodes)
• This Place – a CBC podcast (2021, 11 episodes)

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) concluded that residential schools were “a systematic, government- sponsored attempt to destroy Aboriginal cultures and languages and to assimilate Aboriginal peoples so that they no longer existed as distinct peoples.” The TRC characterized this intent as “cultural genocide.” – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba. 🟧