INNISFIL, ON (September 19, 2024) The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library invites the community to participate in a series of activities throughout September and October in recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This important day honours the survivors of Canada’s residential school system, as well as the children who never made it home.
“Our library is committed to supporting the community in reflecting on the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation,” says Library Board Chair, Anne Smith. “Together, we acknowledge the importance of educating ourselves about the history and lasting impact of the residential school system in Canada. This is a history that has shaped the lives of countless Indigenous peoples and continues to affect generations.”
This year, the Library will host a variety of events and programs designed to foster understanding, dialogue, healing, and amplify Indigenous voices.
Key Events and Activities:
Why Truth & Reconciliation is Becoming a Global Story
Join us for an insightful presentation with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux who will speak to the work we have done in Canada towards reconciliation and how that is influencing global Indigenous desire for change and inclusion.
Tuesday, October 1, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Lakeshore Branch
Register to save your spot for this free event.
Former Mohawk Institute Residential School, Virtual Tour & Debrief
Provided by the Woodland Cultural Centre, this tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School gives the history of the school from when it opened in 1831, until it closed in 1970. Participants will see different rooms in the school, from the meeting room, student dorms, the third floor, cafeteria, and the basement. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions or share comments with the Cultural Interpreter. This is a virtual tour presented on screen at the Library.
Wednesday, September 25, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Lakeshore Branch & Virtual
Register to save your spot for this free event.
Programs for Children and Families:
Families are invited to participate in interactive programs and activities that help children of all ages learn about the significance of Orange Shirt Day.
- PA Day: Friday, September 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Families can drop in to the Lakeshore Branch this PA Day to explore reconciliation in a kid-friendly way, with crafts, stories, letter writing, and more.
- Tinkershop: Thursday, September 26, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Participants in this small workshop will learn to use the resources in the HackLAB to create stickers as tools for advocacy and accountability. Register today, $6.00 per person.
Simcoe Reads: Virtual Author Event with Amanda Peters Virtual Talk with Simcoe Reads Author, Amanda Peters
Join us for a virtual event with Amanda Peters, author of The Berry Pickers, which is Innisfil’s selection for this year’s Simcoe Reads competition. Amanda Peters is a mixed-race woman of Mi’kmaq and European ancestry, born and raised in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. The Berry Pickers is her first novel and was named one of CBC Books’ best fiction books of the year.
Thursday, October 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register to save your spot and access the virtual event.
Curated Reading Lists and Resources: The Library has curated a special selection of books, articles, and other materials to help deepen understanding of Indigenous history and the ongoing work toward reconciliation. These expertly selected resources will be available both in-library and online, providing valuable perspectives for people of all ages.
We encourage all residents to wear orange on September 30 to show solidarity with the survivors and victims of residential schools. Beyond this month of recognition, we encourage everyone to continue engaging in the work of Truth and Reconciliation year-round by exploring resources at the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation (nctr.ca), supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, and contributing to community initiatives and funds that uplift Indigenous communities.
For more information on these events and how to participate, visit www.innisfilidealab.ca.