STEPS Office Closed to Observe Orange Shirt Day (also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
STEPS will be closed on Friday, September 29, 2023 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Saturday, September 30, 2023). On this day, we remember the lost children and survivors of residential schools and acknowledge the strength and resiliency of the First Nations, Inuit and, Métis peoples. Beyond this day, STEPS has an ongoing commitment to cultivating safe spaces for Indigenous voices to be heard along with paid opportunities for Indigenous artists and arts workers.
As a community organization working in “public spaces” and on unceded “private” lands, we have a greater responsibility with respect to these spaces and to the people connected to them. We’re committed to the ongoing process of reconciliation, working with intention, and building partnerships with Indigenous cultural workers and artists in a thoughtful and appropriate way.
We’re grateful to be learning as a member of the Indigenous Curatorial Collective (ICCA), through ongoing staff training on topics related to reconciliation, and from STEPS’ Indigenous Advisory Committee:
- Bruno Canadien (Dene multi-disciplinary visual artist, Alberta)
- James Carpenter/Grey Cloud (Anishinaabe Elder/Knowledge Keeper, Ontario)
- Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Onkwehon:we / Anishinaabe artist & community developer, Ontario)
- William Skura (Métis mental health, addictions, and Indigenous youth employment strategist & City of Toronto Senior Public Consultation Coordinators, Ontario)
Today and every day, reconciliation involves concrete actions and continued commitment to listening and learning. We encourage all Canadians to reflect on the harms caused by residential schools in the country, and to take time to honour the survivors and their families by engaging with learning materials, events and workshops, and acts of solidarity that put Indigenous voices at the forefront.
We welcome any feedback and suggestions on how STEPS can enhance our commitment to reconciliation. To share your input, please contact Anjuli Solanki (Program Director) at anjuli@stepspublicart.org.
Learn about the Origin of Orange Shirt Day (September 30):
- Orange Shirt Society Youtube Channel (videos available in English and French)
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Final Report
Research Indigenous histories in your area and hear from Indigenous perspectives that were silenced
- The Indigenous History of Tkaronto Research Guide
- The Canadian Reconciliation Landscape: Current Perspectives Of Indigenous Peoples And Non-Indigenous Canadians
- The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada
- Residential Schools, Historica Canada Podcast
- Original Place Names in Canada, Dwadwęnaga:da:t Language Centre
- Heart Berry: Strengthening Our Connections with Lindsey Lickers, Kelly Lavallee & Melissa Stevenson
- How to Be an Ally, Legacy of Hope Foundation
Attend events and discussions that center Indigenous voices and narratives:
- Culture Days Events Across the Country
- Online Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop, Creative Cities Network
- Indigenous Legacy Gathering, Toronto
- Remembering the Children, Parliament Hill, Ottawa
- CharityVillage Connects Podcast: Indigenous Leaders Discuss Truth and Reconciliation in the Nonprofit Sector
- Truth and Reconciliation Week 2023 Free Public Lunch and Learns
Donate to organizations that support Residential School Survivors, their families, and those dealing with Intergenerational traumas:
Header Image: From Weeds We Grow, Restoration of Relationship: Heart Berry Beading Circle, led by Artist Lindsey Lickers, Mushkiiki Nibi Kwe (Medicine Water Woman)
Photo by: Alicia Reid
