What else can you do besides wearing an orange shirt on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Everyone's reconciliation journey looks different. In this blog, we explore Indigenous-themed exhibits that are available to the public and offer opportunities to learn more about Indigenous histories, cultures, and experiences during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and throughout the month of reflection.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) in Canada. This day honours survivors of the residential school system, as well as their families and communities, while raising awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools. It also ensures that public commemoration remains a vital part of the reconciliation process. This is not a distant historical tragedy that happened long ago. In fact, the last federally run residential school in Canada closed in 1996, less than 30 years ago. Between 1867 - 1996, there were 140 federally run residential schools across Canada. Visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page on the Government of Canada website for more information.
Free Virtual Exhibits for Truth and Reconciliation Learning
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has an online exhibit on the construction and operations of Canadian residential schools, as well as the policies that governed them. It also talks about the impact it had and still has on generations of Indigenous Peoples and communities, along with the steps being taken toward healing and reconciliation. This online exhibit is free and accessible online to the public.
Another excellent online exhibit is available through the Digital Museums Canada and explores the history of Ste. Marie II and the islands and coastline of Georgian Bay. Developed by the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, the exhibition examines the "early history of Indigenous populations and their interactions with the French, English, and Dutch visitors to North America". Through archaeological evidence, it highlights how Indigenous Nations such as the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinaabeg adapted and persevered through centuries of colonialism. This online exhibit is free and available online.
Paid Entry to Indigenous Art
If you don't mind commuting and paying an admission fee, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the McMichael Gallery offer rich collections of Indigenous art by Indigenous artists. Unfortunately, the McMichael Gallery is currently undergoing renovations and is closed to the public. However, it is still worth mentioning that the gallery is dedicated exclusively to Canadian art and currently featuring more than 100 works by a diverse range of Indigenous artists in its exhibition, Early Days: Indigenous Art at the McMichael. According to the McMichael, the exhibition "is a defining exploration of the depth, diversity, and vitality of Indigenous art in Canada." For more information about this exhibition, please visit the McMichael website. I highly recommend visiting the gallery once it opens to the public.
The Art Gallery of Ontario also showcases works created by the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists. The Art Gallery of Ontario also showcases works created by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists. In addition, its collection includes works by Indigenous artists from around the world, including those from Africa, Australia, and the Torres Strait Islands. To learn more about the AGO's Indigenous collections and their global connections, visit the AGO website, opens a new window.
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