WAYS TO MARK NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

SEVERAL LOCAL LIBRARIES HOSTING EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Sept. 30 marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the children taken from their homes and sent to Canada's residential schools, as well as their families left behind and those who are survivors of the residential school system.

There are many ways Durham residents can observe this day.

READ BOOKS BY INDIGENOUS AUTHORS

Libraries across Durham have compiled recommended reading lists of books by Indigenous authors. Check out a list of Indigenous Reads, a list of Indigenous

Books for Kids and a list of fictional works that amplify Indigenous LGBTQIA and Two Spirit Voices.

WEAR AN ORANGE SHIRT

Sept. 30 is Orange Shirt Day in honour of Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away from her at a residential school — symbolic of how culture, freedom and identity was stripped away from so many Indigenous children. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day at orangeshirtday.org.

TIE AN ORANGE RIBBON

Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle and the City of Oshawa invite residents to bring and tie an orange ribbon at one of five locations in Oshawa. Orange ribbon locations: Walter Beath Parkette, 1 Columbus Rd. E.; Lakeview Park, 55 Lakeview

Park Ave.; Delpark Homes Centre, 1661 Harmony Rd. N.; Civic Recreation Complex, 99 Thornton Rd. S.; Oshawa City Hall, 50 Centre St. S.

ATTEND A COMMUNITY EVENT

• Brock Township Public Library is hosting a reflection and learning event for all ages on Sept. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Beaverton library branch at 401 Simcoe St. Indigenous educator Gail Johnston will talk about the residential school system and lead participants on a story walk of the book "Phyllis' Orange Shirt" by Phyllis Webstad. Participants will also take part in a promise activity.

• Oshawa Public Libraries hosts Alderville First Nation author Brian Beaver from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the McLaughlin branch at 65 Bagot St. Beaver

will speak about his book on the history of Alderville First Nation and the significance of its lands and people. In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, he will

also share his knowledge of the history of residential schools. Copies of Beaver's book will be available for purchase.

• From Sept. 12 to 30, visit the children's department at the Uxbridge Public Library to discover books by residential school survivors and Indigenous authors, add your hand print to a commemorative orange shirt door and read Phyllis Webstad's story in the children's garden.

TAKE A COURSE

Several universities in Canada offer free online courses intended to deepen our understanding of the history and issues impacting Indigenous peoples in this country. Courses such as Aboriginal Worldviews and Education and Indigenous Canada are available through Coursera.org.

The residential schools crisis line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-9254419.