Music BC is committed to the equitable treatment, inclusion and reconciliation for all Indigenous and First Peoples across our region here on the West Coast and throughout all of Canada.

September 30th, 2021 was declared as a national day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It is also an opportunity for meaningful reflection, commemoration and learning from the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools – as well as a chance for a larger conversation aiming to provoke action to further the pursuit of true reconciliation with indigenous communities.

Below is a short – but growing collection of resources, learning materials and alike for the purpose of becoming more mindful of indigenous communities, the history of systemic abuse and racism, and organizations that you can support on this national day and moving forward.

———

LEARNING MATERIALS

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Education Resources

Vancouver First Peoples – A Guide

Residential School Survivor – Advice For National Day of Reconciliation

How To Mark National Day For Truth and Reconciliation

Learning About The Residential School System

RECONCILIATION RESOURCES

First People’s Cultural Council – Recommendations for Decolonizing

Canada Heritage Service – Funding For Indigenous Artists

ORGANIZATIONS TO SUPPORT

• First Peoples’ Cultural Council
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Assembly of First Nations
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
• Métis National Council
• Discover your local Friendship Centre

GETTING OUT AND GETTING INVOLVED

Wear Orange:

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

1. Let’s Hear It! Live – Regeneration: Indigenous Voices Showcase
2. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Public Schedule

———

Reach out to info@musicbc.org to help add to this list of resources and learning materials.