Today is Canada Day – but this year feels different for many Canadians across the country. 

While we are lucky to live on such beautiful land, it is paramount to acknowledge the Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples who were here long before the confederation. It is important to recognise the injustices committed against Indigenous peoples in the past, while also paying attention to their ongoing struggles, and to take action to support truth, justice, and reconciliation. Listen, learn, donate and volunteer when you can. 

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.

Here are some (of many) resources if you are interested in learning more and/or donating to a cause: 

Indian Residential School Survivors Society: An organization with a twenty-year history of providing services to Indian Residential School Survivors. https://www.irsss.ca/ 

Reconciliation Canada: An organisation leading the way in engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. https://reconciliationcanada.ca/ 

True North Aid: Dedicated to serving and supporting northern Indigenous communities in Canada through practical humanitarian support. https://truenorthaid.ca/ 

Native Women’s Association of Canada: Founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote, and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women. https://www.nwac.ca/ 

Stay safe,

The TIAC Team