Monday marks the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Communities in and around Ottawa are gathering to remember Indigenous children forced to go to residential schools, families that are struggling and communities that are healing.
Here are some of the community events we’ve either seen or been sent.
In Ottawa
Events are planned at Algonquin College, the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
The Alliance Française Ottawa has an exhibit showcasing how young local artists imagine reconciliation.
The Assembly of Seven Generations is leading walking tours downtown between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. about the role of the federal government in Indigenous-Canadian relationships and residential schools.
The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society is hosting activities at Beechwood Cemetery, including walking tours and a screening of Spirit Bear: Echoes of the Past.
Makatew Workshops will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Diefenbunker in Carp.
At the Digital Arts Resource Centre, there will be screenings of films made by Indigenous directors.
At 5:30 p.m., the Canadian Museum of History will host the official inauguration of an Indian Residential School Memorial Monument. Admission to the museum is free.
Library and Archives Canada will host Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga for the launch of her book, The Knowing, which explores Canada’s history through an Indigenous and personal lens.
The Odawa Native Friendship Centre is screening a documentary called Sugarcane, which follows the gruesome history of a residential school in B.C. There will be a Q&A with the directors afterward. Tickets are free and first-come, first-serve.
Certain branches of the Ottawa Public Library will host educational activities.
There is again a special, national gathering on Parliament Hill beginning at 3 p.m. You can join the crowd in-person or watch live on CBC. The Peace Tower and Senate will also be bathed in orange light that evening.
If you want to visit Rideau Hall, there will be a sacred fire built and an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. You can also visit its temporary heart garden dedicated to children who died in residential schools.
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is hosting family-friendly activities and an exhibit of Inuit history starting at 11 a.m. at 100 Wellington St.
In and around communities
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is hosting its community event at Lamoureux Park in Cornwall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
An Every Child Matters Honor Walk starts from the Maniwaki Native Friendship Centre at 10:30 a.m.
Pikwàkanagàn’s event starts at 11 a.m. on its cultural grounds.
The Tyendinaga Native Women’s Association will host its fourth annual Every Child Matters walk, starting at 12 p.m. at 24 Meadow Dr.
Around the region
Almonte’s Mississippi Valley Textile Museum is hosting a Reconciliation Through Art event, showcasing Indigenous art and storytelling. Activities are planned all day, but it will kick off with a river walk and offering at 8 a.m.
In Belleville, you can visit Market Square for a special ceremony at 11 a.m.
Brockville will honour the day at Hardy Park, where there will be a firekeeper, drumming, teachings, food and vendors.
At the Bibliothèque Donalda-Charron in Gatineau, there will be a virtual reality experience called William 360 set up between 4 and 8 p.m. to experience and learn about the residential school system.
Queen’s University in Kingston will mark Monday with a sacred fire at 1:15 p.m. The City of Kingston is also planning to set up orange lights around its Springer Market Square.
Renfrew will host a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at Ma-te-Way Park.
There will be a silent Walk of Sorrow and ceremony in Rockland from the corner of Giroux and Laurier streets at 3:30 p.m., ending at Parc du Moulin around 4 p.m.
A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.
Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.