News

For the second year, we are joining in the recognition of September 30th as National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. It is a specific day to mark the impact of residential schools by honouring the Indigenous children who were taken from their communities, those who survived and those who never made it home.

September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story as a residential school survivor and advocate for reconciliation. It’s also a day to renew our commitment to reconciliation as an association, as a country, and as the individuals who make up the ARIDO community.

During the past year, ARIDO has found ways to take part in work towards reconciliation via our strategic planning sessions, including a meaningful session with Chief Dr Robert Joseph. The Board of Management, Equity, Diversity, Advancement and Accessibility Committee, and ARIDO staff listened to Chief Joseph share his experience as a boy in the residential school system, his journey as a survivor, and leadership within his community of Gwawaenuk First Nation and beyond. Chief Joseph encouraged everyone to explore the small steps we can each take to advance reconciliation and to integrate these steps in daily life.

One important focus of our current Strategic Plan is the way ARIDO can build relationships with diverse and underrepresented groups, specifically BIPOC communities, professionals and associations, and communities across Ontario. As we renew our commitment to Reconciliation, ARIDO invites you to find ways to take individual steps to reconciliation within your community, workplace, or family.

Fireside Chat with Chief Dr. Robert Joseph - October 12th

On October 12, 2022, ARIDO has partnered with Matrix360 to present a fireside chat for members with Chief Robert Joseph to discuss Truth and Reconciliation, residential schools and murdered and missing Indigenous women (MMIW) and how we can further build with action for an inclusive Canada.

More details to follow on October 3rd.

Many libraries have compiled reading lists of books by First Nations, Indigenous, and Métis authors for children, teens, and adults . We encourage you to visit your local library and pick up a few books to guide you on your learning journey.

We encourage you to attend an event to commemorate as National Truth and Reconciliation Day. We have compiled a few events happening across the province:

Events

Flag Raising Ceremony and Walk in honour of Residential School Survivors - Thunder Bay, ON | September 30th

City of Windsor Free Community Gathering - Windsor, ON | September 30th 10:00 AM to 1 PM

Remember Me: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Reconciliation Talk with Cree author David A. Robertson hosted by the Burlington Public Library - Wednesday, September 28 10 AM - 11 AM

Learning about Truth and Reconciliation - September 30th | Bradley Museum, Mississaugua

Commemorate Truth & Reconciliation: Co-curated by Denise Bolduc, Sarain Fox, and Mervon Mehta - September 30th | Virtual Music Performance

Indigenous Legacy Gathering event hosted by Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre - September 29 & 30 (Review the event info to understand which components are open to the public.)

Visit

Mohawk Village Memorial Park (former residential school site) - Brantford, ON

Woodland Cultural Centre - Brantford, ON

Learn

Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada - online resource created by Canadian Geographic, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis Nation, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indspire.

“What does reconciliation mean to Indigenous people?” article by Angela Sterritt, CBC News reporter

Learn about the traditional territory of where you live and the treaties which are established on it.

Begin the Indigenous Canada course offered by the University of Alberta which covers the history and key issues which face Indigenous people today.

Join the discussion and let us know how you are marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation #NDTR by using the hashtag #ARIDOAwareness