Supporting Local Communities on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Senaqwila Wyss shares a list of local Indigenous businesses, artists, and creators deserving of recognition and support.
This year’s orange shirt is designed by Shayne Hommy, a Grade 11 First Nations Cree student at South Peace Secondary School in Dawson Creek. Photo: CFJC Today
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an important step in the reconciliation process. This date coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013, to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.
Today we are becoming very accustomed to land acknowledgments, but there is much more that we can do. As part of MONOVA’s ongoing work to strengthen relationships with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, Indigenous Programmer Senaqwila Wyss has prepared a list of educational resources on residential schools and Indigenous history, language and culture, as well as a number of local businesses, authors, and charitable organizations worthy of your attention and support.
Residential Schools
Local Territories, Names and Language
- If you’re at home or travelling, use Native Land to find out the local Indigenous First Nations land you are on.
- Squamish Atlas includes place names of the Squamish Nation in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim, includes audio clips.
- Musqueam place names with Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm.
- Pronounce Squamish Village Names with Senaqwila Wyss (via CBC News).
Local Legends and History
- #NorthVanStories Living History with Squamish Elder Xwechetaal (Dennis Joseph)
- Pulling With My Ancestors: Səl̓ílwətaɬ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh War Canoe Racing researched and curated by Meghan Ormandy
- Squamish History as told by Elder Kultsia (Barbara Wyss)
- The Amazing Mazie Baker: The Squamish Nations Warrier Elder by Kay Johnston
- People Of The Land: Legends of the Four Host First Nations by Aaron Nelson-Moody & Glenn George
Local Tourism
- Takaya Tours of the Səl̓ílwətaɬ Nation.
Donate To the Cause
We rely on contributions, monthly or one-time gifts, to help MONOVA safeguard and expand our community’s archival and museum collections, build learning experiences and inspire future generations.
Donations are accepted through the Friends of the North Vancouver Museum & Archives Society, Registered Charity No. 89031 1772 RR0001.
