Today is Our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Also known as Orange Shirt Day, today is our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It's one of the ways we honour the survivors and families of residential schools.
Both the truth and the reconciliation process related to this part of our nation's history carry valuable lessons that resonate with all of humanity. Today is a day in which we can all find something to learn, to reflect upon, and to lead us to honour, respect, and love each other. Love is about owning all our parts - whether we or others may judge them as good or bad. Without looking at our "bad" parts, we cannot take accountability for our role, learn, grow, or heal. It's a necessary part of becoming whole.
It's not an accident that the word 'truth' comes before 'reconciliaton' in the naming of this day. We all have different relationships with the truth. We may seek it, embrace it, accept it. We may run from it, hide it, deny it, fear it. We may ping pong our reactions depending on each moment. The truth of the truth is that it remains. It is steadfast. And even if it feels like an eternity, eventually, it will be revealed and we all must face it.
You've likely heard the expression, "you cannot heal what you do not acknowledge". There is truth in those words. We must first look at what is. Really see it. Study it. Examine. Ask questions. Consider different perspectives. Understand the repercussions of what we learn. When we show humility and are centred in ourselves (some may say 'present' or in the present moment), our actions will be healing because they are fuelled with love.
We've all felt what it's like when someone bypasses the 'truth' step because it makes them uncomfortable. Perhaps they haven't learned how to feel their feelings and so they're quick to push uncomfortable emotions away from themselves. (They may even project undesirable traits onto you!) They want to get on with it - move on to the healing part and forget the past. You may feel that there's a strong disinterest in learning that's palpable in the air.
Contrast this with something else we've experienced: someone who's taken accountability for their role in a situation. Someone who expresses true interest in understanding your story, the situation, what happened. There's a lack of judgment, empathy, a genuine curiosity and thirst for learning and growth. A desire to make things right in a way that addresses those who've been harmed. It isn't about doing what comes easily to them, but what is most effective to the primary stakeholders.
Do these scenarios reflect any experiences you've had? If you've lived long enough, you've likely experienced both situations play out in yourself as well as in others.
So, today, what can we do? How can we be a force for good, put our energy to positive use? There are many ways to partake in our nation's healing process today. Below are just a few ideas. Feel free to share more of your own in the comments.
- Design a t-shirt (there are several "design an Orange Shirt Day t-shirt" contests across the country)
- Wear an orange shirt
- Check out the book displays at libraries and bookstores (& check out our booklist below)
- Attend a lecture or other live event
- Listen to podcasts and interviews to hear Survivors' stories and learn more
- Attend a film screening or art exhibition
- Support an Indigenous business (see below for a few ideas)
- Click on our Reverie links below for more
Books on Healing Intergenerational Trauma:
- Decolonizing Trauma Work - Renee Linklater
- Break the Cycle - Dr. Mariel Buqué
- The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk
- What My Bones Know - Stephanie Foo
- Heavy - Kiese Laymon
- What Happened to You? - Oprah Winfrey & Bruce Lipton
- When the Body Says No - Gabor Maté
- My Grandmother's Hands - Resmaa Menakem
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay C. Gibson
Indigenous-Owned Businesses:
- Beam Paints - watercolours made on Manitoulin Island
- Birch Bark Coffee company - perhaps last week's issue has 'perked' your interest? This Canadian coffee brand has a shop in Ottawa
- Nikihk Cleaning - non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products
- Onquata - this mother-daughter team sells paddles & other wood and leather items
- Cheekbone Beauty - makeup brand
- Bear Essential Oils
- Qiviut Inc. - a fibre mill that sells luxurious qiviut fibre, yarn, & knitwear, as well as other handmade crafts
Let us know: what does Truth and Reconciliation Day mean to you? What do you choose to do to honour this day?
