Here at SVS, we are committed to deepening our understanding and actively continuing our reconciliation journey. As September 30th approaches, we stand with our Indigenous staff, clients and friends during this time of reflection.
See below for ideas shared by SVS staff about how to honour this day.
Join us on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, for a profound and reflective event led by Rene Meshake, an esteemed Anishinaabe elder, visual and performing artist, author, storyteller, flute player, and new media artist. https://guelphmuseums.ca/event/roots-to-reconciliation-songs-and-stories-with-rene-meshake/
A recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Meshake has dedicated his life to fusing Anishinaabe and English words into his stories, poetry, and spoken word performances, sharing his spiritual heritage with the contemporary world.
Born in the railway town of Nakina in Northwestern Ontario and raised by his Okomissan grandmother, Meshake’s education in Anishinaabe oral tradition, language, arts, and culture, along with his formal training in Graphic Design from Sheridan College and Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers, has shaped his unique and powerful artistic voice.
A residential school survivor, Meshake will lead us on a reflective journey with his Pipigwan (flute), drums, and storytelling. His body of artwork, stories, and flute improvisations create a strong, expressive, presentation that resonates with an ever-increasing audience.
The event will last approximately 60 minutes, with a short break. All are welcome to join this important observance, honoring the experiences of Indigenous peoples and fostering understanding and reconciliation.
Reconciliation Through Art: An event in commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Date:
September 30th, 2024
Location:
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, Almonte, ON
Time:
10:00 am to 8:00 pm, starting with a River Walk and Offering to the Water at 8:00 am
Livestream available at: nationtalk.ca/rta
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Watch as James Darin Corbiere unboxes The Truth in Truth and Reconciliation educational board game, offering an insightful look at everything inside the box: https://truthandreconciliationboardgame.com/
This national webinar series provides an opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives in support of collective efforts to strengthen Indigenous cultural safety across sectors. https://www.icscollaborative.com/webinars
https://youtu.be/36JFCOnufSw?si=OhMuezc80bsRvY-G
To read about Phyliis Webstad's story - Phyllis’ Story - Orange Shirt Society (orangeshirtday.org)
"I went to the Mission for one school year in 1973/1974. I had just turned 6 years old. I lived with my grandmother on the Dog Creek reserve. We never had very much money, but somehow my granny managed to buy me a new outfit to go to the Mission school. I remember going to Robinson’s store and picking out a shiny orange shirt. It had string laced up in front, and was so bright and exciting – just like I felt to be going to school!
When I got to the Mission, they stripped me, and took away my clothes, including the orange shirt! I never wore it again. I didn’t understand why they wouldn’t give it back to me, it was mine! The color orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared and how I felt like I was worth nothing. All of us little children were crying and no one cared."
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up to examine the abuses of the residential school system, had called upon the federal government to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in one of its 94 calls to action - Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada - NCTR
On Monday Sept 30th, wear an orange shirt or pin.
Society.
A decade of commemorating - Orange Shirt Day 10th Anniversary
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