National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA) operates on the shared territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
On September 30th, we observe the official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an opportunity to reflect, remember and honour the lives of those lost and forever impacted by the Canadian Residential School System, and ongoing colonialism. Our staff, directors and volunteers continue to engage in ongoing learning and sharing through the year and we encourage our members and the public to do so as well.
The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation falls on the same day as Orange Shirt Day, founded by the grassroots organization Orange Shirt Society in 2013. Orange Shirt Day was “designed to commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour the healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation.” A day inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad and their experience attending the Mission Residential School (1973/1974).
ReconciliACTION
The NSMBA staff members and Board of Directors continue to focus our energy on ways that we can incorporate reconciliACTION and accountability on September 30th and beyond. Below we have compiled resources which showcase some of the ways we will be spending National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, to continue learning, educating, discussing and reflecting on the history of Indigenous peoples, the intergenerational impacts that Indigenous communities face, honour the survivors, their families, communities and especially those children that never made it home. We encourage you to engage with these resources, attend an in-person event if you are able to, and continue your education beyond September 30.
We know these are small steps, but we strive to continue supporting the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh , and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh Nations in their decolonization efforts and in repairing inequalities through authentic relationship development and partnerships (as outlined in our Strategic Plan).
We hope that some of these actions can inspire and encourage your own ways of learning.
More information about local events, virtual events, good reads and ways to donate below.
“The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.”
-Orange Shirt Society
Resources
We have sourced some resources to help guide and inspire ways you can celebrate and engage in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th and beyond. This is by no means an exhaustive list of resources, but can act as some starting places for personal education. Please email us info@nsmba.ca if you want to have any further conversations or if you have any additional resources you would like to recommend!
What’s happening on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh and Lilwat7úlNations
Daytime
- Skwxwú7mesh Lilwat7úl Cultural Centre – Whistler
- Culture Days – Listing of all National Day for Truth & Reconciliation events in all regions of BC
- Intergenerational March to commemorate Orange Shirt Day – UBC
- Museum of North Vancouver – North Vancouver
- A Day to Listen – Amplifying Indigenous Voices through major radio stations from 6am-6pm on Sept 30th
- CBC Gem – Truth And Reconciliation
- Downie Wenjack – Truth & Reconciliation Week
- Vancouver International Film Festival – Reconciliation
Online Courses
- Nahanee Creative – Decolonize First
- “Working Effectively with Indigenous People’s” – Indigenous Corporate Training
- UBC & edX 6 Week Course – Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education
- University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada Course
Must Reads
- 94 Calls to Action
- Working in a Good Way – ORCBC and Patrick Lucas
- 10 Ways to be an Ally to First Nation Communities
- Let’s Talk about Land Acknowledgements
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
NVDPL Indigenous Reading Lists
- North Vancouver Library Library Indigenous Literature List
- North Vancouver Library Indigenous Non-Fiction List for Adults
- North Vancouver Indigenous Teen Book List
- North Vancouver Kids Reading List
CBC Indigenous Reading List
- 30 must-read books to learn about the Indigenous experience in North America
- 108 Indigenous writers to read, as recommended by you
Learn More
Tsleil-Waututh Nation: https://twnation.ca/
Musqueam Nation: http://www.musqueam.bc.ca/
Squamish Nation: http://www.squamish.net/
First Nations: Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program – Allies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5l5WjdNPPk&feature=share
Learn which First Nation Territory you were born on, live in, recreate on: https://native-land.ca/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: http://reconciliationcanada.ca/
Government of Canada Website:
Learn More about Indigenous Languages: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/canadian-identity-society/languages/indigenous.html
Indigenous History: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/history-heritage/indigenous-history.html
Indigenous Peoples and Cultures: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/canadian-identity-society/indigenous-peoples-cultures.html
Indigenous Women Outdoors “Our mission is to hold space for Indigenous women to come together and feel safe on the land. We want Indigenous women* to be leaders in the outdoor industry and to be confident in sharing their knowledge and connection of the land with the greater public. Through guidance and mentorship, participants can choose to start getting their own training and certifications to feel safe out on the land, as well as lead other groups and women to get outside.”
Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program “The Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program is a group of riders, trail builders, community activists and leaders who are passionate about trails, riding, building, reconciliation, and building healthy, resilient and adaptive communities.”
Tsleil Waututh Community Society
Reconciliation Canada “Reconciliation Canada actively provides programs and initiatives to inspire positive change in communities throughout Canada.”
Indian Residential School Survivor’s Society “We at Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) strive to provide physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual growth, development, and healing through culturally-based values and guiding principles for Survivors, Families, and Communities.”
Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre Pacific Association of First Nation Women “To bring our vision into reality, we advocate for systems change and provide Indigenous, culturally safe learning and offer holistic supports to uplift Indigenous women and strengthen families.”
IndigenEYEZ “Two streams of programs—one is youth camps that empower Indigenous kids and teens, the other is a two-day workshop for anyone who works with Indigenous communities (nurses, employers, youth leaders, et cetera) that teaches ways to engage with members.”
UNYA “Urban Native Youth Association is the centre of Indigenous youth excellence, supporting youth on their journeys by amplifying and celebrating their voices. Our Vision: Empowered Indigenous youth leading and inspiring all Nations.”