Holiday Closure Notice: All WPL locations will close at 1:30pm on Tuesday, December 24 and will remain closed until Friday, December 27. For full holiday closure information, click here.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: September 30

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.

Resources & Learning Opportunities

Local Events

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Waterloo Public Library

WPL’s Check It Out blog is your go-to destination for all things literary, curated with care by your trusted library staff. With insightful book reviews, reading suggestions, helpful resources and more, we’re here to inspire and guide you on your journey through all that the library has to offer.