Ottawa, Ontario
· 09/29/2022 · Library and Archives Canada
On September 30, Library and Archives Canada, the Government of Canada and millions of Canadians will mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which honours the children who never returned home and the Survivors of the residential school system in Canada, their loved ones and the strength of their nations and communities.
Additionally, since 2013, Canadians have observed Orange Shirt Day on September 30—an Indigenous-led grassroots day of remembrance intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools and affirm a commitment that every child matters.
These days ensure that public observance of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital part of the reconciliation process and provide us with an opportunity to acknowledge and observe the ongoing impact of residential schools on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation.
Learning and awareness are at the core of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. LAC delivers programs and projects intended to promote and preserve the languages and cultures of Indigenous Peoples, including Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada, an interactive multimedia e-book featuring essays written by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation members of the LAC team. It offers personal interpretations of collection items such as journals, artwork, photographs and audiovisual recordings. This innovative resource can be downloaded free of charge in iBooks format for Apple devices and EPUB format for Android devices.
In 2022, LAC will mark this day by lighting up in orange for the first time its Preservation Centre and Preservation Storage Facility in Gatineau on the evening of September 30. Images of the illumination will be featured on LAC’s social media channels.
Reconciliation is a continuous process rooted in sharing, listening and learning. September 30 is a fitting day to discover resources and support causes related to truth and reconciliation. As such, LAC’s website notably features a section on Indian Residential Schools, as well as a guide for interpreting collection documents.