Educational Resources on Residential Schools and Indigenous Culture

For National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Canadian Feed The Children is celebrating and uplifting traditional Indigenous food systems, and the children, families and communities who are working toward achieving Indigenous food sovereignty.

We affirm our commitment to Reconciliation and raising awareness of the effects of Colonization and racism.

For those who need additional support, The National Residential School Crisis Line for survivors can be accessed at 1-866-925-4419.

Indigenous Reading Lists

Read Indigenous  - A yearly list of must-read titles written by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and knowledge keepers for all ages, selected with Toronto Public Library's Indigenous Advisory Council.

Reading for Reconciliation explores a variety of issues, ranging from colonialism to the residential school legacy that has shaped Canada's current relationship with Indigenous peoples. The titles are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resiliency of Indigenous peoples, and our collective journey towards hope, healing, and reconciliation.

10 Action Steps for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (and All Year)

1) Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.
2) Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
3) Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre.
4) Research First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions to society
5) Honor treaties – visit ontario.ca/page/treaties   and native-land.ca.
6) Access the Indigenous Resource Guide  curated by NSCC Libraries
7) Wear orange on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day, established by the Orange Shirt Society in 2013 to honor Phyllis’s story.
8) Buy an orange shirt from an Indigenous artist or company that supports Indigenous causes, such as Old’s Cool General Store (which directs proceeds to Anishnawbe Health Toronto) or directly through the Orange Shirt Society.
9) Watch films and documentaries that reflect on the residential school experience – the National Film Board of Canada   offers a rich collection of Indigenous-made films
10) Support the reclamation of identity, language and culture and learn greetings/phrases in Indigenous languages.

Learning about this history and continued oppression can be difficult. It is important to move through this discomfort and understand that this is not a “dark chapter in our history” but a system of oppression that continues to this day. But by committing to continued self-education, solidarity and advocacy for Indigenous food sovereignty, you can help break down barriers so that all Indigenous children can thrive.