Truth and Reconciliation

Learn more about residential schools in Canada, reconciliation efforts, and the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous Peoples.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Non-fiction accounts & historical fiction relating to residential schools. eBooks, audiobooks & comics includes French Language titles

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The Canadian Indigenous Languages collection

Children’s eBooks, audiobooks, & comics with storytelling in dual languages. Includes Cree, Inuktitut, Anishinaabemowin, and Halq'emeylem.

A National Crime: The Residential School Experience in Canada exhibit

The Legacy of Hope Foundation, opens a new window is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 20 years. Markham Public Library (MPL) has partnered with Legacy of Hope Foundation to bring A National Crime: The Residential School Experience in Canada exhibition to our branches. This exhibition explores the creation of Residential School System, the experiences of the students, its impacts and traumas, and Indigenous-led political action, healing, and efforts towards Reconciliation.

Exhibit Dates at MPL

Angus Glen Library  - April 2023
Markham Village Library  - May 2023
Aaniin Library  - June 2023
Cornell Library  - July 2023
Unionville Library  - August 2023
Thornhill Community Centre Library  - September 2023
Milliken Mills Library - October 2023

Learn About Residential Schools in Canada

For over a century, residential schools operated in Canada, removing over 150,000 Indigenous children from their homes. Learn more about what happened in residential schools by listening to Survivor’s stories.

Residential Schools

What Is Orange Shirt Day?

Sep. 30th marks the annual Orange Shirt Day, in recognition of the harm residential school inflicted on Indigenous children & communities.

Residential School History

For 150 years, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children were taken from their families and communities to attend schools...

Oral Histories and Survivor Stories

Visit the Where Are the Children? Exhibition to explore the history and impacts of Canada’s Residential School System through...

Did You Live Near a Residential School?

This interactive map lets you see where the 139 residential schools operated in Canada.

Learn How You Can Further Reconciliation Efforts

Reconciliation is often mistaken as a government-only issue. But reconciliation starts at the individual level with education. Learn more about what you can do to further reconciliation efforts.

Learn how you can further Reconciliation Efforts

Discover our Blogs

 

Discover our Blogs

Why Everyone Has a Role to Play in Reconciliation

You keep hearing about Reconciliation in the news but are not sure what exactly it is and what role do you have to play? Find out now.

What Are Treaties and How Do They Apply to You?

If you live in Canada, you have a responsibility to learn more about treaties. Ask yourself, how have I benefited from treaties?

Things you can do to further reconciliation efforts

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we honour residential school survivors and their families.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

Each year, on September 30th, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we honour the children who never returned home as a result of residential schools, Survivors, and Intergenerational Survivors. This day serves as a reminder that truth-telling and reconciliation are the responsibilities of all settlers.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples and their commitment to stewardship of the Land. We acknowledge the communities in circle. The North, West, South and Eastern directions, and Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat, Anishnabeg, Seneca, Chippewa, and the current treaty holders, Mississaugas of the Credit peoples. We share the responsibility with the caretakers of this land to ensure the dish is never empty and to restore relationships that are based on peace, friendship, and trust. We are committed to reconciliation, partnership and enhanced understanding.

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