Living into Right Relations along the Grand River

Living into Right Relations (LIRR)

This monthly bulletin offers a listing of events, actions and resources for people interested in right relations and supporting Indigenous initiatives.

It is curated by Nancy Dykstra, a first generation Canadian of Dutch descent and a member of Parkminster United Church in Waterloo. Nancy was inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Report of 2015 to become active in working toward right relations.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Thursday, September 30

Establishing this statutory holiday was Call to Action # 80 of the TRC:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

It is up to us to figure out how we can honour the intent of the Call to Action. There have been many ideas put forward since the September email was sent so I felt it was worth putting this together to help us create a meaningful commemoration. I encourage each of us to commit to some-thing. Here are some ideas and events you might consider: 

• Read or re-read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and find one that speaks to a passion, desire or curiosity of yours. Commit to helping to make this happen. 
• Find out more about Orange Shirt Day, and Phyllis Jack Webstad:
  • CBC interview, follow this link
  • Phyllis Jack Webstad’s work and advocacy, click here.
  • to purchase a copy of the book, Phyllis’s Orange Shirt, click here 
  • to purchase an orange shirt from Healing of the 7 Generations, click here.
• Read and learn from a book related to Residential Schools – Debbie Siertsema has provided an extensive list – attached. If you’d like to read with a group, let us know. We can likely hook you up with others.
• Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre with a friend or two. WCC serves to preserve and promote Indigenous history, art, language and culture. “We welcome you to visit and learn with us as we bring the story of the Haudenosaunee people of the Eastern Woodlands to life through innovative exhibitions and programs.”

Consider donating to its Save the Evidence Campaign

• School visits and resources for Orange Shirt Day – Harbourfront Centre

• Litany (Mennonite) below

A short and incomplete Calendar of Events:

• Sept 27- Oct 1 The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has a week-long series of online events being offered for youth and adults alike. There is a special focus on Grades 5-12. 

Description: The programming will feature short videos created by Indigenous storytellers, followed by conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors, and the children of Survivors of residential schools. The videos will be supported with classroom activities for students. Throughout the week we’ll share artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. There will also be a tribute to the Missing Children that never returned home from the residential schools.

• Sept  29, 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Indigenous Children Then, Now and Tomorrow presented by United in Learning.  Panelists will explore how Indigenous children and families were and continue to be impacted by colonialism. They will answer a series of questions posed by moderator Springwater Hester-Meawassige, which will touch on a range of topics including Indigenous Children in Residential Schools, Sixties Scoop, Millennial Scoop, and bringing our children home. Register here.
• Sept 29, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Shining Light on the Residential School Legacy – presented by Toronto Urban Native Ministry (TUNM) Click here for  tickets ($10) which will support the Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save The Evidence Campaign and TUNM.

Description: Join us for an evening with Sandra Campbell-Kanien’kehā:ka Wahta, Wakkwā:ho for an informational discussion on the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, Indian Day Schools, Indian Hospitals, the 60’s Scoop, Millennial Scoop, Foster Care, Prisons, Jails and Mental Health Institutions.

September 30  

• 10 a.m. – KW  “Remember Me, Remember Us” – A Community Walk to Honour & Reflect hosted by and beginning at Healing of the 7 Generations (H7G), 300 Frederick St. Kitchener.
• Consider attending the sacred fire at H7G which is tended 24/7.  Invite a friend to go with you.  You can do this any day, and you can make it a regular part of your calendar.
• 7 p.m. –  KW  Candlelight vigil and sacred fire at Victoria Park Pavilion,  hosted by O:se Kenhionhata:tie
• 10 a.m. through the day – Ottawa Remember Me: A National Day of Remembrance by the Indigenous Arts Council of Canada. Events live streamed. Register here.
• 7 p.m. Candlelight vigil – online with United Church Indigenous Ministries and Justice Executive Minister Murray Pruden on the Indigenous Ministries Facebook page.

Other events locally not specific to Sept 30:

• On now to Sept 25 All Nations Grand River Water Walk
• Sept 25, 10 am to when it’s finished. Volunteers needed to get their hands dirty!  Help plant a Food Forest near New Hamburg with the Crow Shield Lodge. Contact Laura Hamilton at laura@divestwaterloo.ca 
• Sept 25 Annual U Waterloo/St Pauls Powwow – online