The Town of Espanola extends our deepest respect to our Anishinabek neighbours and First Nation and Métis members of our community as we challenge ourselves on what it means to be Canadian this July 1st.
Take time to reflect on the history of colonialism in Canada and the events in our history that have, and continue to have, very traumatic impacts for Indigenous Peoples.
Canada Day presents us with an opportunity to emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion while further educating ourselves on history, truth and reconciliation.
We have the opportunity to further educate ourselves on history, truth and reconciliation. Community members are encouraged to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports : https://nctr.ca/records/reports/. Ample resources are also available at https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013785/1529102490303 and we would also like to highlight some interactive and video resources below :
For Children: https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/where-can-i-learn-more-about-indigenous-people-in-canada
Mature Audiences:
nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up: Centred around the death of Colten Boushie, a young Cree man who was shot and killed by a Saskatchewan farmer in 2016, the documentary looks at the colonial history of the prairies and the racism embedded within Canada’s legal system. Watch a 44-minute version for free on CBC Gem, or watch the 98-minute version with a National Film Board subscription.
“Rocks at Whiskey Trench:” A comprehensive look at the fallout from the 1990 Oka Crisis, when Mohawk people fled their land that was occupied by the Canadian army, only to be pelted with rocks by non-Indigenous protesters. Watch for free from the National Film Board.
Urban.Indigenous.Proud: A series of very short films that provide a window into some of the facets of urban Indigenous life throughout the province. Watch them for free from the National Film Board.
Watch a 6 minute musical story about 12 year-old Chanie Wenjack, entitled “The Stranger” by Gord Downie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za2VzjkwtFc