How to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the North
People across the North will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday. The annual event is observed to recognize the multi-generational legacy of residential schools, honouring survivors, their families and communities.
Here are some of the events planned in the territories.
Yukon
In Whitehorse, the Council of Yukon First Nations has events planned starting at 11 a.m., with a march from the healing totem pole at the wharf to the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (KDCC).
At noon, an opening for the afternoon events at the KDCC will be held at the fire pit. That will be followed by lunch, a community drumming circle and other art events until 3 p.m.
In Dawson City, events begin at the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in gazebo at 11 a.m. with a sacred fire and speeches. That will be followed by a lunch of soup and stew and bannock at 12:30 at Äłät Nëhëjël, and a plaque unveiling at the Chief Isaac statue at 1 p.m.
In Haines Junction, a stew and bannock lunch will be held at the Da Kų Cultural Centre beginning at 12:30, followed by some kids’ activities at 1 p.m. and a screening of the documentary film The Good Canadian, at 2 pm.
N.W.T.
In Yellowknife, a march will begin at 1 p.m. at the community arena and end at Somba K’e with a vigil. The Native Women’s Association is also hosting a family-friendly painting and beading event at its office, between 1 and 3 p.m.
In Fort Smith, a community march will begin at 1 p.m. at the community and recreation centre, and end at the lookout with a fire-feeding ceremony and a community Orange Shirt picture at 2 p.m. There will also be bannock and stories from elders.
In Fort Simpson, events begin at 10 a.m. with a water ceremony below the drum circle by the river. Events continue through the morning and into the afternoon, with a walk at 11 a.m. and a free stew and bannock lunch at the recreation centre at noon. At 7 p.m., there is a Dene drum dance at the rec centre.
In Wekweètì, a community feast at the Arbor starts at 6 p.m.
Nunavut
In Iqaluit, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association is hosting community events beginning at the Four Corners at 1 p.m. There will be a moment of silence and prayer, distribution of orange shirts, and a community walk and gathering at the Square.
In Cambridge Bay, events begin at 2:30 p.m. at the community hall. There will be a community photo, a walk, a lighting of the qulliq and other activities, followed by a feast at 4:30 p.m. and a family dance at 6 p.m.
CBC North coverage
CBC North will also have special programming on radio and TV to mark the day. Find details here.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: “We still have a lot of healing to do with our fellow Canadians” – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation observed September 30, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Sami Parliament in Finland agrees more time needed for Truth and Reconciliation Commission preparation, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland: Greenland, Denmark initiate investigation into past relations, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Can cross-border cooperation help decolonize Sami-language education, Eye on the Arctic
Sweden: Sami in Sweden start work on structure of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Eye on the Arctic
