What’s Happening in Toronto for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is this Friday, September 30th. While there are many ways you can show your support, such as wearing an orange shirt from an Indigenous vendor, there are also many other ways you can show your support throughout the city.
The Toronto Public Library has curated a list of “must-read” books for all ages, including Unreconciled : Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance by Jesse Wente, and We Dream Medicine Dreams by Lisa Boivin.
There is also the Toronto Fire Council Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square, taking place on September 29th and September 30th. This event includes a marketplace full of Indigenous vendors, food, and cultural education workshops
On September 30th, you can attend a free concert at the Royal Conservatory of Music (Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St. W.) called “Commemorate Truth and Reconciliation”, co-curated by Denise Bolduc, Sarain Fox, and Mervon Mehta. The event also features playwright and artist Tomson Highway, singer Rebecca Cuddy, and poet Marylin Dumont among others. The concert starts at 8pm, as well as livestreamed online for free. You can find more information by clicking here.
Music festival East End’s Forever Fest returns from September 30th to October 2nd at Maple Leaf Forever Park (62 Laing Street). September 30th will be headlined by Ojibwe electropop artist Wolf Saga. 100% of net proceeds from the festival will go to the Legacy of Hope Fund, which helps support residential school survivors. You can find more information about Forever Fest by clicking here, and more information about the Legacy of Hope Fund by clicking here.
Toronto History Museums will be hosting the opening ceremony of their newest art installation, The TRUTH. This installation is described as “…a mobile art installation that stands for all those who suffer in silence, and presents an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their own truth and the injustices on our planet.” The opening ceremony will take place on September 30th from 7pm to 9pm at Fort York (Garrison Common). For more information, click here.
If you’d like to laugh while you learn, all-Indigenous comedy group Got Land? is performing at Just For Laughs Toronto as part of The 42. Hosted by Anishinaabe comedian Don Kelly, you can catch them for two shows at The Royal Theatre on Friday evening. For more information on tickets and lineup, click here.
If you are looking to stay home but still participate in activities, Hart House has an Indigenous Language exhibit available on their website, telling the stories of various peoples languages. Likewise, Anishnawbe Health Toronto will be hosting a class called “Wisdom Weavers: Storytelling & Traditional Teachings,” via their Facebook page. The class begins at 12pm, and you can access it by clicking here.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for former residential school students. To speak to someone, call 1-866-925-4419. Furthermore, here are some more mental health services available to the public:
Crisis Services Canada ,1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Hope For Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples, 1-855-242-3310
Native Youth Crisis Line ,1-877-209-1266
Anishnawbe Health Toronto
Talk4Healing , 1-855-554-HEAL, a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario