A Message from Robert Durocher, Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education and Programming 

September 30 marks Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the experiences of Residential School Survivors and the children who never made it home, as well as their families and communities. This year, September 30 falls on Tuesday of next week.   

I encourage you to take time to reflect on the significance of this day. You may choose to spend time with the work of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists on view in our galleries, attend local events, or seek out additional educational resources. It’s important that we all engage with the significance of this day as Treaty People on Indigenous land.  

One suggestion is to attend the Indigenous Legacy Gathering on September 29 and 30. Located a short distance from the AGO, the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre is hosting this two-day event at Nathan Phillips Square. From traditional drumming to live performances, ceremonies, community connections and dancing, both days celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of Indigenous cultures. The full schedule of events is available at councilfire.ca. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a series of Lunch and Learn webinars, each focused on unpacking different aspects of the residential school system. There are six webinars in total intended for adult viewers, which are recorded and available to stream here.  

Here is a link to a series of podcasts related to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

It is important to remember that we need to continue to learn Truths so that we can enact reconciliation in authentic and sincere ways. I always speak about the importance of relationships – relationships to land, and relationships with each other based on reciprocity, care, and love. Please connect with me at any time if you have any questions or would like to talk. 

In gratitude and hope, 

Robert