Books & Audiobooks
September 30th is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a federally mandated statutory holiday in Canada to observe and reflect on lasting damage caused by the residential school systems in Canada. To learn more about the history of Orange Shirt Day, click here.
As an organization that exists to make public spaces, credible resources and opportunities for learning available to everyone, WPL is active in the work of truth and reconciliation. Preserving, amplifying and celebrating Indigenous stories is an important part of the work we do.
We commit to the daily work of reconciliation. This means learning and decision-making that recognizes the ongoing impact of colonialism as well as reflection, partnership and action that can make reconciliation possible.
Join us in reflecting and learning about the devastating impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. Find recommended reading and resources below.
Reading List
Resources & Learning Opportunities
Local Events
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Crow Shield Lodge
Crow Shield Lodge provides Indigenous land-based education and healing to people of all Nations. Offerings include energy work and traditional doctoring by trained professionals for holistic wellness, purification ceremonies and sweat lodge, naming ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, fasting camp and ceremonies to acknowledge and honour all of our relations.
Grounding & Gathering to Honour the Children
Sunday, September 29 | 9am – 3pm
YMCA Camp Kiway, Hessen Strasse, Wellesley
Learn more here. -
O:se Kenhionhata:tie
O:se Kenhionhata:tie was formed by a group of TwoSpirit IndigiQueer folkx who have built a community for Two Spirit, queer, trans, or non-binary Indigenous and settler young people, and who advocated to the local governments for reconciliation through Calls to Action.
Sacred Fire & Vigil
Sunday, September 29 | 7pm
Victoria Park, Kitchener
Learn more here. -
University of Waterloo Office of Indigenous Relations
The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, faculty, and staff, along with allies within the University of Waterloo community.
See their full program for this year’s events here.
21st Annual Pow Wow
Saturday, September 28 | 10 am – 5 pm
University of Waterloo, Columbia Icefield (CIF), Outdoor Field 7
Learn more here. -
Woodland Cultural Centre
The Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve Indigenous history, art, language and culture. The Centre in Brantford is open to the public, and also runs virtual programming.
Orange Shirt Day Pack Walk in support of Woodland Cultural Centre
hosted by DogFriendlyKW
Friday, September 27 | 6:30 pm
Huron Natural Area, Kitchener
Learn more here.
More Resources
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Anishnabeg Outreach
Anishnabeg Outreach is a local non-profit organization that provides Indigenous people with culturally-appropriate services, and strives to support individuals and provide assistance to overcome barriers. Anishnabeg Outreach helps the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through their reconciliation training; learn more here.
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CBC Listen: Reclaimed
Jarrett Martineau hosts Reclaimed, a weekly series on CBC Radio that explores the many worlds of contemporary Indigenous music from traditional songs and acoustic sounds to Native hip-hop, R&B, and the dancefloor-filling beats of electric powwow. Listen here.
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City of Kitchener Indigenous Reconciliation Webpage
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples. Click here for more information and resources regarding the City of Kitchener’s response to reconciliation.
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City of Waterloo Indigenous Reconciliation Webpage
Waterloo is situated on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral Peoples. Click here for more information and resources regarding the City of Waterloo’s response to reconciliation.
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Discover the Witness Blanket
The Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art inspired by a woven blanket. It contains hundreds of items that were reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. It stands as a national monument to recognize the atrocities of the Indian residential school era. It honours the children and the Survivors. It symbolizes ongoing reconciliation.
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Grand River Métis Council
The Grand River Métis Council represents citizens in the Grand River area as a chartered council of Region 9 and are a council of volunteers who support Métis citizens, host council meetings, and plan community events for our area.
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Healing of the Seven Generations
Healing of the Seven Generations offers support for First Peoples residing in the Region of Waterloo, including those who are experiencing intergenerational impacts from the residential school system.
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Indian Residential School Survivor Society
The Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) is an organization based in British Columbia with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors.
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Indigenous Relations Academy
The Indigenous Relations Academy offers various types of training and support to help guide individuals and organizations in their reconciliation journey and help teach people how to work effectively with Indigenous Peoples. Learn more about the training opportunities available here.
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The National Association of Friendship Centres
The National Association of Friendship Centres are Canada’s most significant urban Indigenous service delivery infrastructure and are the primary providers of culturally enhanced programs and services to urban Indigenous residents. For over half a century Friendship Centres have been facilitating the transition of Indigenous people from rural, remote, and reserve life to an urban environment.
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NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment and Training
NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment and Training provides skills development and training opportunities for urban Aboriginal youth ages 15-30 in Southern Ontario. Learn more here.
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Six Nations of the Grand River
Located along the banks of the Grand River, Six Nations is the only reserve in North America where all size Haudenosaunee nations live together. Learn more here.
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Wilfrid Laurier University Indigenous Student Services
Laurier offers two Indigenous Student Centres (ISC). Whether you are looking for a space to study, hang out with friends, or continue on your journey of identity through cultural programming – the ISC has got you covered.