September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. It recognizes the painful history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, honouring the children who survived and those who did not.
ACT encourages our community to use this day to learn about and reflect on the devastating legacy of forced assimilation and abuse of Indigenous Peoples, as well as learning what you can do to contribute to truth and reconciliation.
If you are interested in learning online, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering virtual programming and resources all week for Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023.
There are many in-person events happening across B.C. See B.C. Event Listings to learn about events in your area.
Support Indigenous-Led Organizations
Here are some organizations that aim to raise awareness about the history of residential schools and their impacts, or provide support for survivors, their families and communities.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
- Na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund
- Orange Shirt Society
- Native Women’s Association of Canada
ACT’s Support for Indigenous-Focused Research
This one-day informal gathering was held to discuss how Indigenous communities can be better served by meaningful research into the needs of their children affected by developmental disabilities in British Columbia. The presentations featured research projects that have been developed in partnership with Indigenous communities including the research Simon Fraser University has done in collaboration with the Nzen’man’ Society and ACT, in the Lytton area, prior to the fire. The benefits of collaborative partnerships, in the context of chronically under-resourced Indigenous programs, are discussed as a necessary step in the process of genuine reconciliation.
ACT Bursary Program for the Indigenous Community
ACT offers free registration for our events to individuals who self-identify as Indigenous and those who are employees of Indigenous organizations. It does not matter what the diagnosis of the children or adults they work with is. We see this as a small but practical way of building capacity in chronically underserved First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Please visit our website for more information about ACT’s Indigenous Bursary Program. We welcome donations to support this initiative.
Choose the Indigenous Bursary fund from the dropdown menu on the donate page.