The Township of Tyendinaga recognizes the importance of commemorating the tragic history and legacy of residential schools. As we think about what September 30 means, we know that self-education and awareness play a vital role in healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
We encourage residents to be a part of the conversation, perhaps find a local event taking place, and/or wear an orange shirt to honour Indigenous children who were removed from their families and communities and placed in residential schools.
As well, we encourage our community to learn more about our friends and neighbours of Tyendinaga Township. You can visit their websites below. We have also compiled a list of educational resources as a foundation for learning and dialogue surrounding truth and reconciliation.
We hope you will take time to self-reflect in your own way on what this day means, and access any of the resources provided as an action to support continuous learning.
The Township of Tyendinaga is flying the “Every Child Matters” Flag at half-mast from September 28th to October 2nd at the Municipal Office and Staff are encouraged to find a way to take part in wearing orange on September 30. Please note that the Municipal Office will be closed on September 29th and all facilities and services will be unavailable, although online services for payment will still be available.
Local First Nations
Haudenosaunee – Kahnawake Branch of the Mohawk Nation
Online Learning Resources
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- National Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
- Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
- Library and Archives Canada – Indigenous Heritage
- The Assembly of First Nations: It’s Our Time First Nations Tool Kit
- Online Course – Indigenous Canada
Books
- In My Own Moccasins– A personal memoir by Indigenous author and poet Helen Knott that speaks to addiction, intergenerational trauma and sexual violence.
- Peace and Good Order– By Cree author Harold R. Johnson, a retired Crown prosecutor, is a critique of the Canadian justice system’s failure in bringing justice to Indigenous people.
- Price Paid: The Fight for First Nationals Survival– A first-person account of writer Bev Sellars’ life that addresses myths and biases regarding First Nations people that have been perpetuated through legislation.
- A Mind Spread Out on the Ground– A collection of essays by Haudenosaunee author Alicia Elliott that touches upon her personal experiences and draws attention to the years of trauma and oppression experienced by Indigenous people in North America.
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act– A book by Bob Joseph, an Indigenous author and founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., that discusses the Indian Act and its years of repercussions on Indigenous people in Canada.
Video Resources
- Pathways to Truth and Reconciliation
- Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series Webinars – 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.
