National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at OPL

Mon, 09/16/2024 - 15:57

OTTAWA — On Monday, September 30, seven branches of Ottawa Public Library (OPL) will be open for the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday was created to publicly commemorate the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools--a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Additionally, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day, a day started by Phyllis Webstad to encourage education and recognition of the residential school system. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind.

To support OPL clients in learning more about, and understanding, this aspect of Canada’s history, the following OPL branches are open from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday, September 30:

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

OPL is proud to honour the Every Child Matters movement and to provide a “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Learning and Action Space” at these branches on September 30.

All ages are welcome to come learn, explore the resources and activities such as:

The Knowing with author Tanya Talaga

On September 30, at 7 pm, inside the Pellan Room of Library and Archives Canada (395 Wellington Street), OPL in partnership with Ottawa International Writers Festival, and Library and Archives Canada are honoured to present an evening with Tanya Talaga, the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of Seven Fallen Feathers. Deeply personal and meticulously researched, Tanya’s new book, The Knowing is a seminal unravelling of the centuries-long oppression of Indigenous People that continues to reverberate in these communities today. Although there is no cost for the event, it is recommended to register due to limited seating.

Heart Garden

To reflect on the legacy of the residential school system in Canada and to remember the Indigenous lives lost and honour the survivors and their families, a heart garden activity will be available at all 33 OPL branches from September 23-28. Library clients can show support by participating in the planting and tending of OPL’s Heart Garden. The Library will provide wooden hearts for clients to draw or write messages on. These messages will go outdoors in a garden in front of the branch, in windows or other spaces visible from outside.

National Film Board films

National Film Board (NFB) short films will be played in open branches on September 30. The following films will play on loop:

In branches, there are special book displays highlighting Indigenous book recommendations, and a booklist recommendation is available on OPL's website.

These activities are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association.

For more Indigenous content, the Library’s Indigenous collections webpage includes books, films, and music by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit authors and artists; booklists for all ages, Indigenous languages resources and upcoming programs.