MAS Acknowledges National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, September 30th 2023

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors, their families, and communities. This day serves as a day of remembrance, reflection, and an opportunity of action, to listen, and to learn. This is also a day filled with grief. Immediate support is available for those affected by their experiences. 

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. 

The Museums Association of Saskatchewan (MAS) believes that museums have an essential role in truth-telling, representation, and self-determination. All Canadians, especially settler Canadians, must educate themselves about the painful history and current realities Indigenous people face in our country as a result of the impacts of colonialism, the Indian Act, and the residential schools system. 

MAS acknowledges the role that museums played in the creation and perpetuation of colonial ideologies in Canada. We are committed to moving forward in partnership with all Indigenous Nations in the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration, and to building meaningful relationships. We also believe in the power of story, art, and living heritage and its ability to shape narratives and address critical contemporary challenges, including the ongoing impacts of colonialism and systemic racism. As such, we will continue to support our members to address these issues in thoughtful and meaningful ways through education, resources, individualized support, and open communication.

MAS is committed to moving forward in our journey of reconciliation by listening, seeking to understand, and informing ourselves.

As part of our commitment to decolonization and reconciliation, and to recognize this important date, MAS will be spending September 30th to focus on learning. We encourage others to spend this day in reflection and to engage in acts of reconciliation through education and participation in community events. MAS will be closed on Monday October 2nd.

Educate yourself on the The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Read about the origins of Orange Shirt Day and share this information with your family and friends

Discover pieces of history and experiences of residential school Survivors. Inspired by a woven blanket, the Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art. Here, you can explore the items and stories carried accompanied by the voices of Survivors who talk about the experience of being forced into residential schools.

View some relevant materials and resources:

• 21 Things You May Not Have Known About The Indian Act (ictinc.ca)
• A National Crime: Canada’s History –  Written by Miles Morrisseau
• Gakina Gidagwi’igoomin Anishinaabewiyang: We Are All Treaty People – Canada’s History – Written by Karine Duhamel

Educational Opportunities:

• 4 Seasons of Reconciliation – Indigenous Continuing Education Centre
• Indigenous Canada Course

Reflect.