The Sound Cafe recognize's and deeply appreciates the First Nations' historical connection to, and stewardship of this place we live and work in. We also recognize the contributions the Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous peoples have made, both in shaping and strengthening this community in particular, and our province and country as a whole. We're grateful for the opportunity to live and work here and we thank all the generations of people who have taken care of this land.
Thursday, September 30, 2021 marks the very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Please take this day to honour the lost children and survivors of Residential Schools, their families, and communities. If you are wondering how to respectfully participate and do your part in reconciliation today, and beyond, please keep reading.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation compiled a list of crisis/help lines for Indigenous Peoples. The emotional labour of walking the path of reconciliation is often traumatic for Indigenous Peoples.
Learn about the traditional territories for the land you're situated on.
The lakes, rivers, and land we love to explore in southern Ontario were cared for by Indigenous Peoples who were here long before any settlers.
Ontario is on the traditional territories of the following peoples:
Anishnaabeg/Anishinaabeg/Anishnabek/Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), Huron-Wendt/Huron-Wendat, Attawandaron (Neutral), Lenape, Ojibway/Chippewa, and Wendat Indigenous Peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. Please take the time to read about the Upper Canada Treaties and understand how they continue to impact Indigenous Peoples living in Ontario.
Educate yourself.
Read the 94 calls to action and learn why they are so important.
Commit to reading a book; The Toronto Library has put together a great list of recommendations.
Take part in Indigenous tourism. Visit IndigenousExperienceOntario.ca or read about Indigenous Tourism in Ontario and support Indigenous owned businesses, artists, and creators.
Donate to a verified Indigenous organization.
You may consider donating to Orange Shirt Day, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Attend an event in your area outside or virtually.
Most First Nation Communities will be having a sacred fire and are open to everyone to attend. Please reach out to your local First Nation Community to see how you can get involved and support.
We acknowledge and respect the following reserves that share territory within Ontario:
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point,
Moravian of the Thames,
Walpole Island First Nation,
Oneida Nation of the Thames,
Chippewas of the Thames First Nation,
Munsee-Delaware Nation,
Aamjiwnaang,
Mississaugas of the Credit, and
Caldwell First Nation.
Virtual Events
You can join a virtual event via the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's YouTube page, here.
Visit Indigenous Tourism Ontario's social media on September 30th. They will be sharing a list of their suggested ways to observe.
Music
Please take time to listen to the musical, storytelling, artistic and cultural contributions that the First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples of the land have and continue to make.
Sultans of String Featuring Duke Redbird and Twin Flames Perform
The Power Of The Land