National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Live Streams, Online Resources, and Webinars shared by Canadian PSE
With the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation occurring on a weekend this year, many institutions have opted to host events on the day(s) immediately before and after the weekend and have distributed digital resources that the broader community can use to mark the day.
For those looking for resources or events to participate in that can be accessed from anywhere across Canada, we’ve put together a list of the online/digital resources and virtual events being offered by or in conjunction with Canadian postsecondary institutions.
A note about this list: This resource list focuses on online/digital resources and virtual events offered by/in conjunction with Canadian postsecondary institutions that are open to the broader public; many institutions not listed below are offering in-person activities and events or have taken other actions to mark the day. Some events may no longer be available due to registration limits. This list has been developed from our news feeds as a resource for the broader postsecondary community and should not be considered an authoritative or fully exhaustive list of resources and events.
National Events & Resources Shared by Institutions
Several institutions shared the following resources and events, which are available online across the country:
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is based out of the University of Manitoba. Each year, NCTR hosts a program that is focused on commemorating Indigenous history, culture, and language.
Several institutions shared the NCTR’s lunch and learns, which can be accessed through NCTR’s website.
The organization also offers free virtual educational programming for grades K-12 that provides age-appropriate insight into the residential school system, talks from Survivors, and information on reconciliation.
NCTR also offers free downloads of the pdfs for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s reports from 2015, including the Calls to Action.
The Orange Shirt Society is an organization dedicated to commemorating the residential school experience and honouring Survivors’ healing journeys. The society was formed by the founders of Orange Shirt Day.
The #Next150Challenge, launched in 2018, calls for individuals in Canada to educate themselves and actively seek opportunities to learn. The website lists challenges that range from learning whose traditional territory you live on to making a purchase decision that directly benefits an Indigenous business or entrepreneur.
Institutional Events & Resources (By Provincial Region)
Alberta
Concordia University Edmonton issued a statement with links to films related to the history and legacy of Residential Schools, the virtual events held by the NCTR, and information about Orange Shirt Day.
Lethbridge College shared a list of ten things you can do while integrating Truth and Reconciliation into your life.
MacEwan University shared nine resources for understanding Truth and Reconciliation, including a link to an episode of the 2 Crees in a Pod podcast focused on the search for unmarked graves at Indian Residential Schools.
Mount Royal University directed community members to materials by Indigenous writers and about Indigenization.
Portage College will be hosting a Sunrise Ceremony, with guest speakers from Beaver Lake Cree Nation, for the third year in a row. The event will be live-streamed on Portage’s website.
The University of Alberta launched a digital report on its work toward the TRC Calls to Action that included a summary of the history of the TRC, links to key resources, and information on where the institution and sector is today.
The University of Calgary is hosting a presentation by Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux and former chief of Cowessess First Nation, as well as a film screening of Beans, directed by Tracey Deer. The university also shared a list of 12 Indigenous Books appropriate for all ages.
The University of Lethbridge shared information about the day, links to supports and informational resources, and events such as a keynote on Zoom by assistant professor Apooyak’ii/Dr. Tiffany Prete of the Kainai (Blood Tribe) of the Siksikasitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy).
Atlantic Canada (NB, NL, NS, PEI)
Dalhousie University (NS) published an explanation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that included links to radio and virtual programming.
Memorial University (NL) published a video of Catharyn Andersen, vice-president (Indigenous), encouraging the community to take part in the day.
Mount Saint Vincent University (NS) President Dr Joël Dickinson penned a statement with information about what MSVU has done to implement Truth and Reconciliation and shared resources such as APTN’s commemorative gathering Remembering the Children, which will be broadcast on Saturday, and TVO’s “Is it Really Genocide? In Canada?” video.
New Brunswick Community College (NB) held a virtual gathering with Elder Charlie Nicholas about Truth and Reconciliation, shared Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Day Presentation, and distributed links to important related websites and resources.
The University of New Brunswick (NB) will be live-streaming its commemorative event for Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The university also shared links to support and counseling services.
University of King’s College President William Lahey issued a statement sharing the institution’s work towards Truth and Reconciliation, directing readers to reconciliation resources, and highlighting the events shared by Dal.
British Columbia
Capilano University shared links to an introduction to resources related to Indigenous people and an Indigenous reading list created by the library, as well as a Starting Guide for Settlers created by the Capilano Students’ Union.
Emily Carr University published a primer for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation that includes links to resources such as an Indigenous resources research guide, information about what the university is doing to recognize the day, and links to wellness and trauma-informed counseling supports for community members.
Langara College shared information about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as resources such as texts, podcasts, and videos for those interested in learning more.
North Island College shared a list of ten ways to get involved with Orange Shirt Day that included events such as an online Kwak’wala Language workshop, resources such as a Truth and Reconciliation Guide, and videos for each campus location that are intended to guide reflection on reconciliation.
Trinity Western University announced that it would hold a Day of Learning, which would be live-streamed for those joining from off-campus.
The University of British Columbia held a virtual speaker series session as part of its Indigenous Speakers Series that is available online as a recording and shared resources such as a curated list of educational resources.
Central Prairies (SK, MB)
Brandon University (MB) shared community resources such as the Pulling Together Manitoba Foundations Guide.
The University of Manitoba (MB) shared links to external resources, as well as virtually-available events such as The Journey Forward: Moving Towards Economic Reconciliation co-hosted by the Law Society of Manitoba, Manitoba Bar Association, and UManitoba Faculty of Law.
The University of Regina shared links to events such as a Zoom lecture by professor emerita Dr Joyce Green entitled “Indigenous Identity and Colonization: Who Counts, Who Decides, and Why.”
The University of Saskatchewan (SK) has shared information about Orange Shirt Day, online Indigenous Wellness Resources, and community information.
Ontario
Algoma University posted information about webinars and online events, as well as a virtual site visit for the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.
Confederation College shared a Truth and Reconciliation reading list compiled by Confederation’s Paterson Library, which includes ebooks and online articles.
Ontario Tech University has shared online resources and will be hosting events — such as a Respectful Relations and Reconciliation Town Hall and talks from guest speakers — that can be accessed virtually. The university offers several self-directed learning resources.
Queen’s University has shared a variety of resources, such as a message from Chancellor Murray Sinclair, who led the development of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada; and will be hosting a conversation with Associate Dean of Indigenous Health Dr Sarah Funnell that will be available through a webinar.
Trent University has shared resources that include video tutorials for smudging and participating in a sacred fire. The university also plans to stream a special film screening of The Honour of Senator Murray Sinclair and a conversation moderated by Dr Jackson Pind.
The University of Toronto shared links to the live-streams for events such as a Orange Shirt Day event; a public lecture by Assistant Professor Suzy Goodleaf about reconciliation; and a conversation with Professor M Murphy, a Red River Métis from Winnipeg. The university also offered special profile icons and virtual backgrounds for community members and links to organizations like the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS).
Western University’s Indigenous Initiatives department has developed a special resource on engaging with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and shared other guidance documents on topics such as working with Indigenous community members and students. The university is also hosting several events: A concert with Inuk musician Nelson Tagoona will be livestreamed on Friday at 12:30 EST.
Wilfrid Laurier University published a dedicated online resource that included a message from WLU AVP Indigenous Initiatives Darren Thomas and links to resources such as podcast episodes with WLU alumna Charity Fleming, who was an intergenerational survivor of the residential school and sixties scoop programs, and with Indigenous special projects officer Kawennakon Bonnie Whitlow.
York University has shared information, resources, and a special Zoom background for NDTR and will be hosting a Speaker Reflections community panel that will be live-streamed.
Quebec
Université de Québec à Montréal shared a video of Elder in Residence Joséphine Bacon reciting a poem about hope and healing and announced the launch of a self-training module for UQ teachers.
Territories (NWT, NV, YK)
Yukon University issued a statement about Truth and Reconciliation Week, in which the university shared links to supports and resources for students, employees, and community members in need of support.
