Truth and Reconciliation Resources for Families

Truth and Reconciliation Day is September 30th honouring the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their family and communities. I did not know a lot about this day, but curiosity and given the opportunity to work with other to come up with research and come up with resources for employees at work broadened my knowledge and gave me allowed me to learn more along with involving my family. I’m hoping that some of my recommendations will inspire you.

GET OUT AND LEARN – getting the kids involved and learning outdoors is the best way to exercise the mind and heart. I I came across the Moccasin Identifier Project a few years ago. They are public site installations of moccasin designs sandblasted into the stone and then painted. The designs are meant to promote public awareness and be placed on significant cultural historic sites. There are three locations we visited (Toronto, Oakville and Mississauga). NOTE: two of the three locations are the actual sandblasted stone installations. The other location are moccasin stencils on a crosswalk.

Toronto Location (Sand Blasted Stones Installation)

The site in Toronto is at Trillium Park by Ontario Place. It was a busy time when we checked out the installation. There were cyclists and people passing through with wagons and strollers. There are plaques with information in the area and it’s a great opportunity to have your kids read it out loud and discuss.

TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• Pay for parking right at Trillium park is between $10-$35 depending if an event is taking place. If you’re looking to picnic and spend the entire day, then it would be worth parking here. But, check out the website for additional details.
• There is GreenP parking a block or two east of the park (where you’ll see a baseball diamond). Hourly parking is available and I would say it’s about a 10-minute walk. During the spring/summer/fall season, it’s the perfect spot to ride your bike, roller skate or scooter to.
• This area doesn’t have any food options nearby, so come with a full belly, bring some snacks or if you want to splurge on a meal, there is Hotel X nearby.

Oakville Installation (Sand Blasted Stones Installation)

The site which we visit more frequently is Tannery Park in Oakville by the lake. The closest parking lot to the site is the west parking lot at the end of Kerr St. There is an activity for kids to locate 10 moccasin designs at the gathering circle of stones.

TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• Parking is free (there are two parking lots)
• Fastest way to get to the installation is to park at the Kerr Street parking lot. All the locals come to this one because it’s hidden and there aren’t as many spots available. South of Lakeshore Rd going down Kerr St.
• The more frequented parking lot is at 10 Walker Street. A lot more picturesque and you’ll have to walk west to get the installation closer to the Kerr Street parking lot

Mississauga Location (Stenciled Moccasins Installation)

I came to know of this crosswalk on my drive home on Lakeshore Rd coming from my parents house. My boys actually pointed out the moccasins and so we pulled over and checked it out. I did a little bit of research online and found out that it was part of a collaboration between the City of Mississauga and the Moccasin Identifier Project to bring awareness and part of the city’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. The boys enjoyed crossing the street multiple times jumping from one moccasin design to another. They had signage that provided details of the different moccasins that Indigenous people wore.

Orange Crosswalk (Oakville) – This crosswalk was painted to honour the children and families impacted by residential schools. It is located in downtown Oakville (Thomas and Church St) and there is a display of the Moccasin Identifier project designs painted on a utility box. There is also signage for people to learn about the treaty lands.

TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT:

• Paid hourly parking is available (free after 6pm Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday)
• The Oakville Central Library is a few block west and they have an amazing children’s section. They have book recommendations on their table for Truth and Reconciliation and National Indigenous History Month for adults and children.
• The Oakville Moccasins Identifier Installation Project at Tannery Park is a 1.5km walk west of the crosswalk. Walking is obviously the best choice, but with kids I always drive because the walk back to the car is not as fun
• It’s a cute town with lots of shops and food options
• Navy Park is walking distance, beautiful view of the lake, there is a playground, lots of greenspace to picnic or sit on a bench sip on that coffee or bring your family meal and eat at one of the picnic tables

KIDS ACTIVITIES – Moccasin Identifier Project

I know that my resources are heavily focused on the Moccasin Project, but to be honest it’s brought my family and I outdoors together learning. The boys had the opportunity to learn more about the history of moccasin designs at the National Indigenous Peoples Day event in June. The boys selected a moccasin stencil and painted it. We were also given an education kit. I’ve left the link for you to check out. You can purchase a home or school kit. It is available in French and English.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS – below are books that our family have read. (I tried to find links that take you to the author’s website or Indigenous business for purchase). Also showcasing a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading with my boys below.

Nibi’s Water Song – the story is about a girl named Nibi who is on the search for clean water to drink and calls on the community to come together.

ONLINE RESOURCES – my boys are in French Immersion so I try to find resources that are available in French and English

• CBC Kids Book Club “Every Child Matters” – YouTube video
• CBC Kids Celebrates Canada’s Indigenous Heritage | CBC Gem
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – YouTube

WEAR an Orange Shirt – September 30th is also declared as Orange Shirt day and the day aims to raise awareness of the residential school system in Canada. The fam will be showing support by wearing orange. Two Indigenous designers that we have purchased from is Kesų́łiné (indigenous-owned and staffed brand driven by a passion for conscious activism and truth-telling) and BigNish (Indigenous Inspired Sports Apparel)

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES– as part of my commitment as an ally to the Indigenous community, I’ve taken the time over the last few years following small businesses on social media, visiting local markets speaking to small business owners and promoting their business year round.

ᐋᓃᓐ aaniin – aanin is a Female Indigenous business founded by Chelsee Pettit, an anishinaabe member of aamjiwnaang First Nations. She started her streetwear brand in 2021 and since then has pulled in a community of Indigenous Artists and offers a department store experience. I started following her on social media September 2023 and found out she was a vendor during the holidays and briefly met her and purchased a his and hers toque. I received so many compliments on her merchandise and some of my friends went out and bought toques and scarves. My most recent purchase is a tote bag for me and his and hers pride socks for myself and a friend.

I know that there is so much more to learn and our family is committed to not only expand our knowledge but to share it through our DE&I resources. I will be updating this page as I discover new resources.

If you have any suggestions, please comment below.

Shine Lily xo