NationTalk: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG,  Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 begins today. It is a time to honour the history, cultures, and languages of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, and to acknowledge the profound and enduring impact of the residential school system on Survivors, their families, and communities. Join us for a transformative week of learning and reflection as we collectively strive toward reconciliation, celebrating the strength and spirit of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Throughout the week we will offer a diverse range of free programming for students, educators and the broader community.

Programming for students and educators – September 23-27

Taking Truth to Action is a week-long virtual program open to all schools across Canada that supports free, age-appropriate education curriculums for students in grades 1–12. Topics will include the truths, history, and impacts of the residential school system and what learners and educators can do to take action toward reconciliation.

In addition to the online educational programming, hybrid virtual/in-person sessions will take place in different regions across Canada. Subject matter experts will be joined by a small group of in-person students for a session that may include a lesson/presentation and/or activity and open Q&A. Classrooms can watch and engage with these sessions virtually and participate in the Q&A.

Mino-pimatisiwin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering – rebroadcast – September 26

To kick off Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024, last week, thousands of students from grades 8-12 attended Mino-pimwatisin – The Good Life Youth Empowerment Gathering at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. Designed to spark dialogue among young people, the event featured moving testimonies from residential school Survivors, Elders, change-makers, knowledge holders, and authors. Students immersed themselves in Indigenous culture through powerful performances from dancers and singer-songwriters. The youth empowerment gathering will rebroadcast on September 26 for students and educators who were not able to attend in person.

Programming for the general public – September 23-27

Daily lunch and learn webinars will be offered throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week and are open to all. These 50-minute sessions begin at 1PM EDT and feature simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation. Join us for an immersive experience that challenges the myths of colonial history in Canada.

Remembering the Children – September 30

Remembering the Children commemorates the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. If you are in the Ottawa area, we encourage you to join us on Parliament Hill (West Block lawn) as we memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families. There will also be a live national broadcast of the event on APTN, CBC and other supporting broadcasters for those not able to attend in person.

Visit the Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 website for a complete list of events and details.

Quotes

“As part of our collective reconciliation journey, we have an obligation to confront the full truth of our nation’s history. For too long, the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have been marginalized or distorted in our education systems. We must ensure that future generations learn the truth about residential schools and the ongoing legacy and lasting trauma they inflicted on generations of Indigenous peoples. Only then can we build a more just and equitable future for all.” – Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Quick Facts

• More than 150,000 Indigenous children are estimated to have attended residential schools in Canada.
• Truth and Reconciliation Week is hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation with the generous support of many partners.
• Each year on September 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a movement started by Survivor Phyllis Webstad to commemorate when her clothes, including her new orange shirt — a gift from her grandmother — were taken away on her first day at St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. By wearing an orange shirt on September 30, you make a statement to support reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that every child matters.

Related Links

• Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024
• The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Orange Shirt Day

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Contact
For more information, media can contact:
Nctr-communications@umanitoba.ca