ConnectR is an online tool created to inspire Reconciliation in Canada.
ConnectR helps you choose your next steps towards reconciliation.
Find calls to action to grow what you know, encourage a shared future and generate change.

In 2008, a group called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was made. Their job was to listen
to stories about residential schools and then write the stories down so we can learn from our mistakes.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced their 94 Calls to Action. These are 94
activities all governments, courts, businesses, schools, and people living in Canada can do to help fix the
mistakes of the past and present so that all children – including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children –
can grow up happy, healthy, safe, and proud of who they are.

This booklet is written by Spirit Bear as a youth-guide to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action. Each of the calls is outlined in student-friendly language that will give them a deeper understanding of Truth and Reconciliation process.

Four mini-lessons have been created to address this topic. Highlighting Indigenous-made films from the NFB collection, the lessons will help students understand the spirit and intent of the treaties and provide them with the information they need to discuss the issues of access to drinking water, health care and education. In a spirit of reconciliation and co-operation, students are encouraged to write, record and share their Land Acknowledgement statements on social media

"This action toolkit contains a variety of resources:

*Short sample introductions to use during announcement time, at a display table or in one-on-one conversations
*A two-hour workshop to introduce your community to the campaign
*Winds of Change Series (If you have a full day or 3 sessions)"

*** All products including free downloads must be added to the shopping cart by clicking on the ‘Add to cart’ button.

Every Child Matters Banner for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.Print or use on virtual bulletin boards or Powerpoint presentations.

Orange Shirt Day and what is now called 'The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is coming up on September 30. Here is a free resource for educators and parents of children learning and participating in Orange Shirt Day. A coloring page can be a simple tool to engage children and gives them an additional way to show their support as they learn about why orange shirt day is so important.
Coloring has been proven to have the ability to help relieve stress, generate mindfulness, engage active listening and help with the processing of emotions. And don't forget, coloring isn't just for kids!

Indigenous art colouring page in honour of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day
Child, Heart, Florals

Written by award-winning Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith, this magazine, which is based on the Seven Sacred Teachings, is aimed for students in grades 5–12 and is available in both English and French.

Each chapter teaches children about residential schools, Treaties, and the historic and current relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Accompanied by supplementary educational resources, the magazine is both a guide and a journal for young people as they explore their feelings, build confidence, and foster greater respect and empathy throughout their reconciliation journeys.

This colouring book represents the collective efforts of 19 Indigenous artists,
and celebrates a diversity of health and wellness perspectives.

Colouring is an activity that can increase mindfulness and decrease stress, and
can help you find balance in challenging times.

Curriculum Objectives:
- To increase awareness of the residential school system as a major part of the European colonizing effort against Aboriginal peoples, resulting in significant intergenerational impacts.
- To increase awareness and understanding of what Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Ontario) members experienced while attending the 13 residential schools in the region.
- To promote awareness in reclaiming language, culture and skills that were lost as a result of residential schools.
- To promote individual healing in the context of rebuilding links with families, communities and Elders.

Complete lessons (2013, 2002) based on Ontario Curriculum.
Grades 9-12.

This is an interview with First Nations lawyer and poet Francine Merasty. The interview is in three parts with each part focusing one one of her poems.
Part 1 Homebound-Residential Schools
Part 2 Fiery Woman-60's Scoop
Part 3 Reconciliation- TRC Calls To Action

Homebound-A Reading and Conversation with Cree poet Francine Merasty on the healing power of poetry. With grace and wit, Francine discusses how has helped her deal with the trauma of residential schools and celebrate the strength of her family.

The Legacy of Hope Foundation is a very comprehensive site that offers lots of great resources that help to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada. The Legacy of Hope Foundation's (LHF) goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System (RSS) and subsequent Sixties Scoop (SS) on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to promote healing and Reconciliation.Check out each of the sections to see the great resources they have to offer. 

Molly finds an old photo of Grandpa as a child and is shocked to see him singing and drumming—Grandpa never sings. Molly learns about Grandpa’s time in a residential school (or a boarding school, as it’s referred to in the episode).

NFB Education is proud to partner with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to help teachers educate students about Indigenous realities during National Truth and Reconciliation Week, as well as throughout the year.

This year, the theme of National Truth and Reconciliation Week is “Remembering the Children,” where we memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families. The expanded program features age-appropriate material for students in Grades 1–12.

All sessions will be held virtually on Hubilo. Registration is required to stream live or pre-recorded sessions and to participate in the Q&A segment. The link for registration is provided on this page.

Phyllis Webstad explains the story of her experience at Residential School and the origination of Orange Shirt Day in Canada. She discusses the present situa...

Level 1 - Grade 5+

Learning Outcomes: • I can articulate the purpose of Orange Shirt Day, and how symbols and testimony work to encourage social change. • I can articulate the history of residential schools in Canada and the ongoing intergenerational impact on Indigenous communities.

Essential Questions: • What does Orange Shirt Day symbolize? • What is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? • What is the work of reconciliation, and what does it mean to you?

Learning Outcomes: • I can articulate the purpose of Orange Shirt Day, and how symbols and testimony work to encourage social change. • I can articulate the history of residential schools in Canada and the ongoing inter-generational impact on Indigenous communities.

Essential Questions: • What does Orange Shirt Day symbolize? • What is the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? • What is the work of reconciliation, and what does it mean to you?

5 Films...

"Orange Shirt Day was launched in 2013 to call attention to 165 years of residential school experiences (1831-1996). For residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, the severing of the threads connecting her to family, community, and culture began in 1973, when the beautiful orange shirt she wore to her first day of school was stripped from her and never seen again. The removal of the orange shirt was the first of a series of destructive methods enforced to deplete her sense of self-worth, erase her culture, and suppress her spirit. Her story is just one of the experiences described by countless survivors, but many others did not live to tell their own story. Intergenerational experiences rooted in the trauma inflicted through residential schools and other forced-assimilation policies continue to ripple through communities today...."