By guest writer Jessica Bolduc, Executive Director, 4Rs Youth Movement
Young people are stepping up and “calling Canada in” on the relationship we want to build between the generations of first peoples and those who have settled here from across the world. Together with fourteen national partners and hubs of young change makers across the country activating our vision, the 4Rs Youth Movement is changing Canada by changing the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people. We see the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s closing event as an important milestone in the beginning of our healing journey.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s closing events mark a critical moment in the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Residential schools are part of a complicated, often untold history of the Aboriginal experience and it is time we unlearn our history together so we can walk a shared path forward.
Whether you’re in Ottawa, White Horse, Montreal or St. John's, here are ten ways you can experience the TRC’s closing events and help us to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities:
1. Take a walk for reconciliation
Walk for Reconciliation | May 31 | 11 am – 3 pm | Ottawa | TRC
On May 31, with support from Inspirit Foundation, young changemakers from Toronto and Montreal will be joining thousands of others at the TRC’s Walk for Reconciliation. Truly a powerful event to experience in person, the walk drew over 80,000 supporters when Vancouver held theirs in 2014. We think it is time for reconciliation; will you join us in Ottawa?
2. Choose your own reconciliation journey
TRC Closing Events | May 31 – June 3 | various locations | Ottawa | TRC
An interactive program has been developed for the TRC’s closing event, beginning with the lighting of a sacred fire and continuing over four days with statement gathering, witness ceremonies, film screenings, archives, entertainment and cultural performances, sharing circles and a release of the findings on Indian Residential Schools. Visit the TRC website to see what events you can attend or watch the live stream here.
3. Reconciliation in Vancouver
Reconciliation Initiatives | May 31 & June 2 | Vancouver | Reconciliation Canada
If you’re in Vancouver, join Reconciliation Canada’s reconciliation events that will coincide with TRC events in Ottawa. May 31 is themed “Reconciliation Matters” and there will be a community street fair and ecumenical reconciliation prayer service. On June 2, the release of TRC’s findings and recommendations in Ottawa will be broadcasted live, followed by the Creating a New Way Forward panel discussion. Saskatoon, Winnipeg and other cities are also holding concurrent events, so keep your eyes peeled!
4. Go local for reconciliation
May 31 – June 3 | Locations across Canada | Organizations & grassroots organizers
So you don’t live in Ottawa but still want to participate? Keep an eye out in your city for live feeds of the TRC programming, local events, commemorations and conversations. For example, communities accross Canada will be planting Heart Gardens in honour of the children lost to the Residential School system. Jumblies Theater’s Train of Thought will be at various locations across Canada so find out where they’ll be and how you can get involved!
5. Reconciliation – go your own way
You decide | May 31 and beyond | Your community | Reconciliation Canada
Want to lead a conversation on reconciliation in your community? Reconciliation Canada has a comprehensive toolkit that will help you to get the conversation on reconciliation started in your community.
6. Walk in the moccasins of first peoples
Mass Blanket Exercise | June 1 | 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Parliament Hill | Assembly of 7 Generations
Role-play through the perspective of Indigenous peoples from first contact to present day during a massive facilitation of the Blanket Exercise. Unlearn history and make room for a new perspective from the last 150 years of Canada.
7. Go deeper on reconciliation, colonization and Indigenous rights
Time for Reconciliation Gathering | May 29 – June 3 | Carleton University | KAIROS
With a solid line-up of presenters and a diversity of workshop experiences, this intergenerational gathering will be sure to challenge your thinking, expand your worldview, and inspire your own ideas for reconciliation.
8. Pay tribute to the children who were lost to residential schools
Special Memorial Exhibit | June 1 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | Delta Ottawa Cartier Room | Walking with Our Sisters
With over 1,700 vamps (moccasin tops) created, to date, by people all over Canada and the US, the Walking With Our Sisters (WWOS) memorial offers a powerfully visceral commemoration of missing and murdered Indigenous women. For the TRC closing event, a special call was made for Residential School Survivors and their family members to create and submit vamps for the children who did not return home from Residential School. Afterwards, they will join the main WWOS bundle when it arrives in Ottawa in September.
9. Join the conversation on Reconcili(action)
Reconcili(action) Panel | June 1 | 1:30 – 3:00 | Delta Ottawa - Ballroom | Reconciliation Canada
Join me as I share my vision on a way forward for reconciliation alongside a panel of other movers and shakers including the amazing Dr. Chief Joseph from Reconciliation Canada. Explore together how reconciliation applies to all Canadians across generations, cultures, political affiliations and economic backgrounds.
10. Get ‘reel’ about residential schools
Gently Whispering the Circle Back | June 3 | Sault Ste. Marie | Cinema Politica Sault Ste. Marie
Become a part of a ‘healing circle’ with local Cinema Politica chapters across Canada which will be exploring the journey of healing in a people wounded by the Canadian Indian Residential School system. For example, through the documentary Gently Whispering the Circle Back screening at Cinema Politica Sault Ste. Marie, with dignity and deep sincerity, survivors and the children of survivors share their personal stories with us.
