On National Indigenous People's Day (and every day) we recognize and celebrate the heritage and diverse cultures of Indigenous communities across Canada. This is a day of both grieving and celebrating- acknowledging the devastating ongoing effects of colonialism, while honouring the brilliance and success of resilience.
Land Acknowledgement
Recognizing the land we are on is an expression of gratitude, appreciation, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living on this land for over 10,000 years. It involves thinking about what happened in the past and what is still happening in the present, and what needs to be done to move towards equity. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current and ongoing process.
We acknowledge that the land ArtReach works on is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haurdenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. We also acknowledge that Tkaronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Click here to see the territories, languages, and treaties that apply to your address, and for more historical and educational resources.
Recent News
ArtReach mourns the tragic loss of the 215 Indigenous children discovered at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc First Nation in BC last month, and the 104 Indigenous children discovered at the Brandon Indian Residential School in Brandon, Manitoba.This is only further proof that there is much more work to be done in order to bring truth to the ongoing consequences of colonization in Canada.
Support is available at:
IRSSS Emergency Crisis Line- 24/7 counseling support at 1-800-721-0066
Educate Yourself
“Indigenous Canada” free online course offered by U of Alberta
Take Action
Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Calls to Action Accountability: A 2020 Status update on Reconciliation
Petition: Stop the Canadian Government's legal battle with St. Anne's Residential school survivors
Petition: Canadian Residential School grounds and surrounding areas searched for children
Petition: Call for a National Day of Mourning for the Lost of Children of Residential School
Most, if not all, of the Arts and Community-based organizations listed below accept donations. To make a contribution, please click into each group directly to find information on how to donate.
Indigenous Arts in Tkaronto
Indigenous Community in Tkaronto
Want to have a conversation about how ArtReach can be more inclusive and accessible to Indigenous youth artists? Email us at info@artreach.org