OSSTF/FEESO Recognizes National Day and Week for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed annually on September 30, is dedicated to recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The day is a result of years of advocacy and calls for justice. This day stands as a vital step in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

OSSTF/FEESO is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools are never forgotten. Reconciliation requires an ongoing commitment throughout the year; however, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) and Truth and Reconciliation Week, we make time to specifically honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

Members are encouraged to participate and support the following events:

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30, 2024
• Truth and Reconciliation Week—“Taking Truth to Action” September 23–27, 2024

In addition to honouring survivors, the pursuit of Truth and Reconciliation should occur regularly, year-round. It is crucial to remember that dates like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are meant to be solemn times to learn and reflect on what we can all do to eliminate structural and overt racism, as well as other forms of discrimination, in our schools, worksites, and communities. It is about acknowledging the truth in our collective history and the ongoing inequities faced by Indigenous peoples across this land. The day is also about hope for the future and how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can work together to create a better future for all.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2024

OSSTF/FEESO members are encouraged to acknowledge this day in your school, worksite, or local community.

Members can participate virtually by sharing images and messages on social media that demonstrate their support for this day using the hashtags—#NDTR, #OrangeShirtDay, #EveryChildMatters, #ResidentialSchools, #OSSTF, and #FEESO.

Many First Nations and non-profit organizations produce Orange Shirt Day promotional materials. Local leaders are encouraged to support groups/distributors that directly support Intergenerational survivors suffering from the impacts of the Residential School system. For example, the Woodland Cultural Centre partners with The Healing of Seven Generations organization based in Kitchener, Ontario to produce and sell Orange Shirt Day merchandise. To purchase your orange shirt from The Healing of Seven Generations, visit their site.

This year marks the 4th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Government of Canada established the day as an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn and reflect on the legacy of residential schools. It is also a day to support actions aimed at addressing the ongoing discrimination, oppression, and racism against First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

To learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit the Government of Canada site.

Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 23–27, 2024

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is holding a five-day national online event for students in grades 1–12, their teachers, and education workers from Monday, September 23, 2024, to Friday, September 27, 2024. The theme for the week is “Taking Truth to Action.”

NCTR offers activities and workshops about Indigenous language, stories and books, heritage, music, exclusive video content, and activities for students, teachers, and education workers. It will also feature live Q&A sessions in both English and French. For more information, including registration, please visit the NCTR event page.

Additional Resources and Lessons:

• ATPN is hosting a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 | APTN.
• Legacy of Hope—Where Are The Children?
• British Columbia Teacher Federation—Gladys We Never Knew.
• Canadian Teachers’ Federation—Speak Truth To Power Canada: Defenders for Human Rights.
• Canadian Labour Congress—Indigenous Rights and Justice Resource Center.
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario, Public Resources.
• Paths to Reconciliation—Paths to Reconciliation (canadiangeographic.ca).
• Manitoba Teachers’ Society—Secret Path Lesson Plans.
• National Film Board of Canada—Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis).
• Ontario Teachers’ Federation—Useful Links for Indigenous Education.
• Secret Path by Gord Downie—Video and Resources.
• Government of Canada—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca.
• Canadian Geographic—Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada.