September 30 - Visit one of our open branches for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30, is an important opportunity to develop an understanding of the experiences of Indigenous children and youth in residential schools and the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities. OPL’s collections, programs, and resources can support you on this journey. 

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, the following seven OPL branches will be open from 10 am to 5 pm:   

• Beaverbrook, 2500 Campeau Drive

• Cumberland, 1599 Tenth Line Road

• Greenboro, 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive

• Main,120 Metcalfe Street

• Nepean Centrepointe,101 Centrepointe Drive 

• Ruth E. Dickinson, 100 Malvern Drive

• St Laurent, 515 Côté Street   

Come visit an open branch near you on September 30 to:  

• Take part in building a heart garden and painting remembrance rocks to honour the children who died in residential schools.   

• Learn more from the bilingual family Storywalk® of the book Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad. Free copies of the book will also be available.   

• Watch a selection of six National Film Board (NFB) films that expose the injustice and trauma of the residential school system. This screening will also be available via Zoom.

• Take home a copy of the 94 Calls to Action published by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to learn what work still needs to be done in the ongoing process of reconciliation. This resource is also available digitally.   

Can’t make it to a branch on September 30?   

Browse our truth and reconciliation book lists for adults and children as well as our selection of DVDs and CDs. Our Indigenous web page has a wide range of books and resources by Indigenous authors.  

Starting September 22, in partnership with the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau (IISB), OPL will post a webform to sign up to access a prerecorded video of Phyllis Webstad speaking about Orange Shirt Day. You can watch this video with your household. 

On Thursday, September 28 at 7 pm on the Fourth Stage at the National Arts Centre (NAC), Elder Albert Dumont and Phil Jenkins present Bloodline. This sold-out play will be streamed online here.  

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s activities for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This shameful chapter of Canadian history must not be forgotten. By learning the truth about the past, we can walk on the path towards reconciliation together.