SEPTEMBER 2024

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One of the recommendations that resulted from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is that all Canadians educate themselves on the true history of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island, so this month, we're sharing a bunch of great resources, activities and events to help you and the children/youth you care for with your learning journey!

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation September 30

On September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Canadians learn, recognize and reflect upon the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, the trauma experienced by many, and the hope for a healthy future. The day emphasizes the ongoing need for reconciliation, and building and strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, a day when Canadians wear orange to recognize the ongoing intergenerational effects of residential schools and to acknowledge that “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt symbolizes the stripping away of culture, self-esteem and freedom from Indigenous children over generations.

WATCH CBC KIDS

What is Reco nciliation?

The Word Indigenous — Explained

Messages for Kids on Orange Shirt Day

Books, Read Alouds & Story Time

YouTube “The Stranger” Official Video - Gord Downie - Secret Path

“The Stranger” is the first full chapter and song of The Secret Path. Adapted from Gord Downie’s album and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel, The Secret Path chronicles the heartbreaking story of Chanie Wenjack’s residential school experience and subsequent death as he escapes and attempts to walk 600 km home to his family. Watch and Listen Here!

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt

by Phyllis Webstad Appropriate for children aged 4-8 and their families. Retells the true story about her orange shirt and her experience at a residential school for a younger audience. It’s the story that inspired a movement and a national day of remembrance, a good introduction to Orange Shirt Day. Watch Read Aloud Video CBC,

Nokum is My Teacher by David Bouchard Appropriate for children aged 4-8 and their families. Nokum is My Teacher is written as a dialogue between a young boy and his grandmother (Nokum). By sharing her teachings, Nokum guides her grandson to a new understanding of the larger world outside while maintaining respect for the way of the people. Watch Read Aloud Video.

Shi-Shi-Etko by Nicola Campbell Shi-shi-etko is a young girl who has four days before she leaves home for residential school. Her family has many teachings to share with her about her culture and the land. Watch Read Aloud Video or watch Nicola Campbell read during the Royal Alberta Museum's Virtual Story Time on the RAM Facebook.

Shi-Shi-Etko and Shin-chi's Canoe by Nicola Campbell Shi-shi-etko is about to go back to the Residential School for her second year. This time, her little brother Shin-chi is going with her. The two siblings won’t see their family again until the salmon return in the summertime. Watch Read Aloud Video or watch Nicola Campbell read during the Royal Alberta Museum's Virtual Story Time on the RAM Facebook.

Don't Miss Out! Select Calgary Public Library will open on September 30, 2024, from 12 – 5 p.m. They will have special Indigenous programming to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. (Where: Central, Crowfoot, Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Signal Hill, Shawnessy and Village Square libraries)

ACTIVITIES

Orange Shirt Paper Craft Teach children about the significance of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and why we wear our orange shirts with these Orange Shirt Paper Craft Activities.

CRAFTS

YouTube Video - Orange Shirt Day Paper Craft Shirts | CBC Kids

EPL How to Make an Origami Orange Shirt PDF

VIDEO GAMES

Honour Water

This is a singing game that teaches Anishinaabe songs about preserving and protecting our waters in tandem with interactive challenges for users. Available for free on iOS devices. Rated 4+

Spirits of Spring

Kids can role-play solo or multiplayer, exploring four levels of a magical world filled with streams, trees and animals.

Available on iOS Rated 9+

See More Video Games Here

COLOURING PAGES

Twinkl FREE Orange Shirt Day Mindfulness Colouring Pages

Urban Iskwew Artwork by Hawlii Pichette Orange Shirt Day Coloring Pages

Every Child Matters Coloring Page

MUSIC

Music Video Spirit Bear & Friends "A LOVE WE KNOW" FNCS

ReconciliACTION: Learn more about the human rights case for First Nations kids and Spirit Bear's plan to end inequalities in public services for First Nations children, youth, and families

Studio Bell at the National Music Centre September 30, 7:00 p.m. Calgary A special evening concert featuring Inuk artist and activist Elisapie, known for bringing awareness to the culture, language, and realities of the Northern Arctic Inuit through her music

YOUTH

Know Your Rights! Youth-Friendly Version of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

YOUTH-LED PODCASTS Indigenous 150+ and Young and Indigenous

FILMS National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Indigenous cinema for ages 12-14 and

Indigenous cinema for ages 15+

TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY EVENTS

Alberta.ca National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event Monday, September 30, 2 p.m. East Lawn, Legislature grounds Edmonton, see Google maps at the reconciliation garden ‘Kihciy Maskikiy/Aakaakmotaani’ (Cree and Blackfoot words meaning ‘sacred medicine / save many people’) as we observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange shirt day. Wear orange to honour the survivors and the children who never returned home from residential schools, their families, and their communities. The event will feature Indigenous speakers who will share their perspectives and experiences on reconciliation.

Calgary Heritage Park Sept. 29, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events This year, Heritage Park will honour Truth and Reconciliation. with a special day full of meaningful programming across the Park. Guests can partake in immersive activities, learn first-hand from residential school survivors, and take steps towards reconciliation. This day fosters an atmosphere of unity, encouraging us to join hands as a community to strengthen connections and engage in a day of empathy and learning. Learn More

Arts Common National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30 Calgary Join Arts Commons to celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being: sign up for an art gallery tour and artist talk featuring artists from Building Bridges and ReconciliACTION (in partnership with CIF Reconciliation Society); explore Indigenous artistry and culture at the Indigenous Makers Market; and learn about the dark past that is our shared history, and the resilience and strength of Indigenous peoples, through the Elders Story Project.

Calgary Military Museum September 30, 2024 Tours, 1 & 3 p.m.

These tours highlight Indigenous peoples within the history of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous Peoples Experience September 30, 10:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Explore the histories, cultures, and perspectives of the First Nations and Métis peoples, deeply rooted in the Beaver Hills or Edmonton region.

Alberta Art Gallery Edmonton September 30 Beading circle with Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Main Hall

Join Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild in the Main Hall of the AGA for this special beading circle, honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Bring your beads and projects, or purchase a beading kit. You will learn basic beading techniques and connect with other art lovers. It is a day of learning, connection and an opportunity to better understand the history and its impact on Indigenous cultures and communities.

SEE MORE EVENTS

Indigenous Events — Tanya T Consulting | Reconciliation Strategist | Canada

ALIGN EVENTS - REGISTER NOW!

Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty October 17, 2024, Calgary

This is the second of two gatherings to be held across Alberta in the coming months. Be part of a transformative day focused on the future of Indigenous child welfare. Join ALIGN for an impactful gathering designed to empower our communities in the journey towards assuming jurisdiction under the Act Respecting First Nation, Metis, Inuit Children, Youth, and Families. This event will facilitate vital conversations, provide valuable insights, and honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Your presence and participation are warmly invited. REGISTER

CHECK IT OUT! ALIGN’s Reconciliation Strategist Consultant Tanya Tourangeau, recently did an interview with Windspeaker/CFWE Radio and you don’t want to miss this! Learn more about ALIGN’s Empowering Futures: A Gathering for Indigenous Child Welfare Sovereignty

ALIGN Article/Radio Interview CFWE FM Radio

Cultural Solutions 101 VIRTUAL April 23 - 25, 2025

This training is intended to provide professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge on working with Indigenous peoples through an educational and experiential opportunity. Over three days (3.0), participants will gain a deeper understanding and personal experience of Indigenous history and perspectives through various traditional teachings and protocols and how these relate to the delivery of human services with Indigenous service use REGISTER

SUBMISSIONS

Please send resource and events subscriptions to starrd@alignab.ca Subscribe Here