The Society’s Indigenous Relations Committee had the incredible opportunity to interview Bob Watts, a respected leader in Indigenous relations and a key figure in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Listen in as Rebekah Wilson, a Society IRC Member at NWMO, speaks with Bob about the TRC and Canada’s progress towards reconciliation.
Watch here: Bob Watts on Truth and Reconciliation
With September 30 – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching, the Society’s Indigenous Relations Circle invites you to reflect on the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Understanding Canada's true history, particularly the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, is essential to fostering meaningful change.
Additional Sources of Information about the TRC, and Orange Shirt day:
- Unreserved with Rosanna Deerchild –“Coming Home” CBC (audio) https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-105/clip/16011259 https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-105/clip/16011259
- Telling our Twisted Histories – CBC (podcast) https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/906-telling-our-twisted-histories
- The #UNIGNORABLE issue of intergenerational trauma | Truth and Reconciliation – (United Way – YouTube video) https://youtu.be/-mLe6BQ3pDo?si=1PadH6JrUaTBzFN9
- Intergenerational Trauma: Residential Schools (Historica Canada– YouTube Video) https://youtu.be/IWeH_SDhEYU?si=I_jLnYtpmwn1mgKj
- Unreconciled – (Novel) by Jesse Wente
- Seven Sacred Teachings / Niizhwaaswi gagiikwewin – (Novel) by David Bouchard and Joseph Martin Tehanakerewkwen
Support Resources
The journey of learning and reconciliation can bring up difficult emotions, particularly for Indigenous residential school survivors and their families. If you or someone you know needs support, here are some important resources:
-
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line:
Available 24/7 for survivors and family members seeking emotional support.
Call: 1-866-925-4419 -
Hope for Wellness Help Line:
Provides support to all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Offers 24/7 counseling and crisis intervention.
Call: 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at hopeforwellness.ca
We hope you’ll join us in using this day to reflect, listen, and act as we continue our journey toward reconciliation.
The Society Indigenous Relations Circle
