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On this blog, we have written a number of articles on residential schools, and the impacts and outcomes of those schools on First Nations individuals, families and communities. In honour and support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s closing events May 31 – June 3, 2015, we have compiled a few of those articles that cover the schools and reconciliation.

To honour and support the Closing Events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), May 31 - June 3, 2015, in Ottawa, we have compiled a list of six books on residential schools and another four that provide insight and perspective on Indigenous history post contact, issues, myths, facts and paths forward.

On February 18th, 2015 survivors, honoured guests and dignitaries will come together to witness the symbolic decommission of the St. Michael's Indian Residential School. The decommissioning of the formidable brick building that dominates the harbour of Alert Bay marks the end of a very dark and painful period in history.

There is a Canadian Press and Steve Lambert article out with a headline that reads "Online brochure tells lodge visitors aboriginals have 'intolerance' for alcohol." It was published in the Calgary Herald, CBC News Aboriginal, News1130 online, and other places.

Shelagh Rogers, OC, journalist, host/producer of the CBC radio program The Next Chapter and Chancellor of University of Victoria, is as an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She took some time from her very busy schedule to speak with us about her passion for reconciliation and her hopes for Canada in terms of reconciling the past to create a better future.

In this segment from his presentation at Expanding Our Knowledge Conference, Chief Dr. Joseph took questions from the audience on reconciliation and forgiveness.

To the TRC:

When I was a little boy, I faked being sick lots so I wouldn't have to go to school, so I missed a lot of school. I did it because I didn't like the way I was treated because of the color of my skin, or the culture I was born into. I loved my culture, because my nunies, chinies, mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and ancestors were all from our beautiful culture. I didn't like the way the teachers talked about our people, or about our culture. I love the fact that my mother and father always, always talked our language to each other, and to all the visitors who came to our house. I love the fact that my mom told me stories all the time about our culture, and the stories she was told when she was a little girl. I also love the fact that both my parents always told me I had to go and sit with all the elders who told me stories over and over again about who we were as Haida people, and where we belong in this big world. They were my nunies, chinies, chiefs, carvers, and historians.

I wrote this article because I frequently see postings on Facebook asking people to “like” the “Merry Christmas” greeting and denounce the “Happy Holiday” greeting.

At this time of year, it is important to realize and recognize that Christmas is not a cause for celebration for everyone and that for some it is a stark reminder of the historic relationship between churches, the celebration of Christmas, and residential schools. The following letter to parents of the Kamloops Indian Residential school children provides some interesting insights into the relationship.

I recently had the opportunity to golf at the St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino, formerly the St. Eugene Indian Residential School, on the Traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa Nation near Cranbrook, BC. The story behind this Golf Resort and Casino is quite inspiring.