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 Orange Shirt Day and the second official National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to remember and honour the lives of those lost and forever impacted by the Canadian Residential School System.
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 wanted to focus our energy on some ways that we can incorporate reconciliACTION and accountability on September 30th and beyond. Below we have included 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 will be placing a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society to support their ongoing work to support and provide essential services to Residential school survivors and their families facing intergenerational trauma.
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.
NSMBA’s Staff and Board ReconciliACTION’s
Deanne: “My daughter and I will help create a wall of protection as members of Tsleil-Waututh Nation walk 8.5 kilometres from the former site of St. Paul’s Residential School, now the site of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School, to Tsleil-Waututh Nation reserve in North Vancouver.”
James: “I will be reading 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph.”
Sarah: “I’m going to be reading the “Working in a Good Way“ article by ORCBC and Patrick Lucas, and checking out “Braiding Sweetgrass” from the library as I’ve always wanted to read it.”
Andrea: “I have enrolled in the 6 week “Reconciliation through Indigenous Education” course through UBC and edX and will be attending the Orange Shirt Day Community Gathering at Trout Lake.”
Rajiv: “I’ll be reading the 94 calls to action by the Truth and reconciliation committee.”
Stephanie: “The Lynn Valley (NVDPL) Library is having an Indigenous Bracelet Making workshop – this is in the children’s section so might be geared towards kids and I will take Sophia”
Marcus: “I’ll be studying the document named “Working in a Good Way” from the Outdoor Recreation Council.
It’s described as “A best practices guide for engaging and working with Indigenous Peoples on trails and outdoor recreation projects in British Columbia”, which seems to be very relevant to the trail work we are doing.”
Isabelle: “I’ll be on a plane most of Friday, so I’m going to bring this book the Tla’amin Nation gifted me, “Written as I Remember It: Teachings (Ɂəms tɑɁɑw) from the Life of a Sliammon Elder. There’s a whole chapter on her experience in residential school.”
Jackie: “On September 29th I am going to be participating in this event offered through my workplace: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event – Guest Speaker Deborah Johnson, residential school survivor from the Orange Shirt Society.”
Vanessa: “I’m planning on reading “21 things You May Not Know About the Indian Act” and will be attending “The Klabona Keepers” on October 3rd as part of Vancouver International Film Festival.”
“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 Lilwat7úl Nations
Daytime
- NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMEMORATION – Squamish, BC NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION 2022 AT THE SLCC. FREE ADMISSION ALL WEEKEND- Whistler
- On Truth and Reconciliation: Indigenous artist James Harry discusses his project with SOS Village – North Vancouver
- Community Gathering at John Hendry Park @ 1PM – East Vancouver Orange Shirt Day at Templeton Welcome Garden
- Intergenerational March to commemorate Orange Shirt Day – UBC
- Weaving our Story Towards Reconciliation – Port Coquitlam
- Museum of North Vancouver – NATURE AS OUR TEACHER: OUR COAST SALISH WORLD – North Vancouver
- Indigenous Bracelet Making – Lynn Valley Library – Lynn Valley
Evening
- Kisiskâciwan by Jeanette Kotowich
- VancouverRoot Dwellers IRSSS Fundraiser: Dakota Bear/JB The First Lady/Hayley Wallis – Vancouver
September 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- A Day to Listen – Amplifying Indigenous Voices through major radio stations from 6am-6pm on Sept 30th
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – 1 Hour Special on CBC Gem
- Free Virtual Talking Circle: Reconciliation Takes Heart Work and Hard Work
- Panel Discussion: Indigenous Perspectives on the Pope’s Apology – 1pm
Online Courses
- “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
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
Government of Canada Reading List
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
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.”
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.”
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.”