September 30, 2022 marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day created to honour the Call to Action as set out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Since 2013, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize the tragic history and long-standing effects of residential schools. Check out this video by the Orange Shirt Society to learn about the origins of wearing an orange shirt to honour residential school survivors and victims.
First Nation Communities Read is an annual reading program launched in 2003 by the First Nations public library community in Ontario. First Nation Communities Read selected and other recommended titles:
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada.
Take a look at the history of Residential Schools in Canada.
Learn about the Survivors' Flag and what it means to actual survivors of the Residential Schools.
The Woodland Cultural Centre serves to preserve, promote and strengthen Indigenous language, culture, art and history; bringing the story of the Hodinohsho:ni people of the Eastern Woodlands to life through innovative exhibitions and programs. Located in Brantford, the Woodland Cultural Centre is on the site of the Mohawk Institute Residential School.
Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art. It contains hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada.
Here, you can explore the items and stories carried by the Witness Blanket. They are accompanied by the voices of Survivors who talk about the experience of being forced into residential schools. Their generous and insightful stories convey the reality of anti-Indigenous racism, colonialism and genocide. They reveal the ongoing harms caused by Canada’s residential school system.
A new interactive website allows users to explore Indigenous artwork featuring objects from every residential school in Canada. Includes a teachers' guide, a resource guide and more.
Find ebooks, comics and audiobooks on hoopla!
Check out the Indigenous Voices collection on Libby or OverDrive
Find us at the Dutton Dunwich & West Elgin events for Indigenous Storytime, details below!
Join the Municipality of West Elgin and The Municipality of Dutton Dunwich on September 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in Dutton or 1:00 p.m. in West Lorne for the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation.
Monday, April 22, 2024 is Earth Day and at Elgin County Library we have lots of resources to help you celebrate this wonderful planet. Earth Day is a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to come together and take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.
Space Out & Read On April 8, 2024 Elgin County will experience a once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse! We have lots of resources to help you learn more about the solar
March Break 2024 March Break Programs 2024 All Week Drop-In Activities Port Burwell Library & Straffordville Library Dutton Library, Rodney Library & West Lorne Library Port Burwell Library & Straffordville
