Thank you for visiting the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resource Page. The purpose of this page is to share resources and suggested multimedia content with current and future educators to support their understanding of the place and space that truth and reconciliation requires; so that the truths of Residential School and Day School survivors, families and communities are honoured and shared with future generations.
As you grow your awareness and knowledge of colonialism in Canada and its impacts on Indigenous peoples, it is our hope that you engage with this page with an open heart and open mind.
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events | |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Garden Social - Fall | |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, September 22 • 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM |
| Location | Indigenous Garden, Education Building |
| Details | The Office of Indigenous Education (OIE) will host a Seasonal Garden Social where participants will hear stories from witnesses present at the Indigenous Naming Ceremony, learn and say the Indigenous Garden names in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, and spend time in community with colleagues, peers, and nature relations. Bring your lunch and enjoy light refreshments hosted by OIE. The gathering will also recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Participants are encouraged to wear an Orange Shirt. |
| RSVP | Register here Contact: ed_indigenous@sfu.ca |
| NDTR Lunch & Learns | |
| September 21 | Protecting Survivor Truths: Holding and Preserving Indigenous Lived Experience Monday, September 21, 2026 • 10:00 AM PT (60 mins) Indigenous Gathering Space, Education Building Organizations such as the NCTR, the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, and the UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre are custodians of truths and evidence of colonial harm. Join us to learn what it means to be a protector of Survivor truths today. English with French and ASL interpretation. Learn more |
| September 22 | Growing and Strengthening Indigenous-Newcomer Solidarity Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • 10:00 AM PT (60 mins) Indigenous Gathering Space, Education Building This session explores how fostering connections between Indigenous Peoples and newcomers can create meaningful solidarity, responding to Calls to Action 93 and 94. English with ASL interpretation. Learn more |
| September 23 | Continuing the Conversation on Residential School Denialism Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • 10:00 AM PT (60 mins) Indigenous Gathering Space, Education Building Building on last year’s dialogue, participants will examine the reach and impact of residential school denialism and gain tools to address harmful narratives and misinformation. English with French and ASL interpretation. Learn more |
| September 24 | Honouring Indigenous Leadership: Perspectives for a Shared Future Thursday, September 24, 2026 • 11:00 AM PT (60 mins) Indigenous Gathering Space, Education Building Explore Indigenous leadership, lived experiences, and community knowledge while reflecting on Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, child rights, and justice for MMIWG2S+. |
| September 25 | Indigenous Youth Perspectives on Health and Wellbeing Friday, September 25, 2026 • 10:00 AM PT (90 mins) Indigenous Gathering Space, Education Building Intergenerational perspectives on holistic health and wellness, examining the challenges facing Indigenous youth and discussing ways to create culturally safe support systems. English with French and ASL interpretation. Learn more |
| EDUC 400: Honouring Our Children | |
| Date & Time | Monday, September 28 • 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Details | Presented by the Teacher Education team as part of the Professional Development Program (PDP), this educational experience is facilitated by the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS). PDP students will participate in activities, songs, and stories shared by Residential School Survivors, supporting learning and unlearning about the history and ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School System. Attendance is by invitation only. |
SPACES FOR healing & REMEMBRANCE
The Memorial Wall was created to uplift our responsibility to remember and honour Indian Residential School survivors, intergenerational survivors, their families, their communities, and the children who did not return home. The map provides a visual representation of the extensive impact of residential schools and day schools across the country and is an important learning tool for visitors. Alongside the map are two beautifully hand-crafted benches that offer a place for quiet reflection and remembrance. The space is designed to foster healing, invite visitors to connect with our shared history, and recognize our responsibilities to work towards truth and reconciliation.
The map was created by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
The frame and benches were crafted by many dedicated folks at SFU Facilities Services.
Indigenous garden
The Indigenous Garden is for all students, faculty, and staff to gather and reflect on the displacement and dispossession of the stewards of these lands that has taken place for us to be here. The Garden supports our responsibilities to remember and honour Indian Residential School survivors, intergenerational survivors, their families, and communities. It is a learning place for us to acknowledge the rich knowledge systems that have existed for thousands of years while calling us to restore and renew our relationships with mother earth. A dedicated space for Indigenous cultural activities, it is also used for the sharing of traditional knowledges and land-based practices.
We raise our hands in thanks to the generous financial and in-kind contributions of the Office of Indigenous Peoples, the Faculty of Education and the Office of Indigenous Education to bring intentional care to these spaces.
Resources
jump to: reports | resources | books | podcasts | news & media | sfu community resources
article Archives/Reports
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Reports Library
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action
- Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
- Statement of apology to former students of Indian Residential Schools
- SFU Reconciliation Reports
bookmarks Resources
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Indigenous Education Week Lunch and Learns with the NCTR
- Orange Shirt Society – Phyllis' Story
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society
- Legacy of Hope
- Universities Canada. (2023, April 25). Universities Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation
- BCTF Aboriginal Education
book Books
- Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies: An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education by Jo Chrona
- Black Water: Family, legacy, and blood memory by David A. Robertson (paperback, digital, or audiobook narrated by the author)
- Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel
- Children‘s Books on Truth and Reconciliation
- Who We Are by Murray Sinclair, with Sara Sinclair and Niigaan Sinclair
- The Knowing by Tanya Talaga