Honouring Indigenous Peoples on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (2024)
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Posted by Shelby Percival
- Posted in BlogsNews
Reconciliation is the responsibility of all Canadians, so please take the time to learn about Residential Schools and the 60’s Scoop, inform yourself and recognize the continued resistance and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, not only on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but every day.
On Monday September 30, 2024, Falconers LLP encourages everyone across Turtle Island to engage in meaningful reflection and find ways to appropriately acknowledge and pay respect during the 4th annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) is intended to honour all those who have and continue to be affected by the horrors of residential schools, including the loss of children, the loss of culture and identity, and the impacts on survivors, as well as their families and communities. While reflecting on the hardships and challenges of Indigenous peoples, it is also and perhaps more important to recognize the resilience of Indigenous Peoples that continues today.
There are many ways that Canadians can honour Indigenous Peoples with various events occurring across Toronto and other communities in Canada for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, including:
- Wearing Orange: Whether it is a shirt, hanging a flag at your house, or wearing an orange pin. If looking for Orange Shirts please choose to support an Indigenous organization.
- Participate in many of the Indigenous activities happening around the city of Toronto to inform yourself and better understand the celebration behind the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation:
- ReconciliACTION art exhibition by Nyle Miigizi Johnston and W’ dae b’ wae that showcases Anishinaabe stories and teachings at the Market Gallery, located on St. Lawrence Market’s 2nd floor, Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until December 29.
- Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square from September 27 to 30.
- Spirit Garden Opening at Nathan Phillips Square on September 30 at 2 p.m.
- Support local Indigenous artists and businesses.
- Visit the TORONTO Sign in Nathan Phillips Square, which currently features an artwork titled Rekindle, designed by Toronto-based artist Joseph Sagaj in recognition of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 to 2032) . It will be lit orange on September 30.
Falconers LLP joins our First Nations neighbours and friends in honouring this important day, as we continue to work together in a good way on the path towards Reconciliation. We recognize that for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult and would like to provide the links to the following supports:
- Crisis Services Canada ,1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
- Hope For Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples, 1-855-242-3310
- Native Youth Crisis Line , 1-877-209-1266
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Other Resources:
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action
- Read the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice
- Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
- Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre (located in Brantford, Ontario)
- Research First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions to society – The Indigenous History of Tkaronto
