In Recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

by Innovation Factory
September 30, 2023

Innovation Factory will take a moment of silence, with other Canadians at 2:15 p.m. to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we honour and remember, those who were lost, survivors, and their families who are affected by the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools.

Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Reflect on how you can work towards reconciliation in your own life and create your own personal reconciliation plan. Start your learning journey today.

Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website
Learn about residential schools and take a tour of former sites, such as those offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre
Research First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in your area to understand their history and contributions to society
Honour treaties – visit ontario.ca/page/treaties and native-land.ca
Learn about the significance of land acknowledgments and learn the one in your area
Access the Indigenous Resource Guide curated by NSCC Libraries
Support or volunteer for local Indigenous organizations or causes
Wear orange on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day, established by the Orange Shirt Society in 2013 to honour “Phyllis’s story”
Buy an orange shirt from an Indigenous artist or company that supports Indigenous causes, or directly through the Orange Shirt Society
Attend Indigenous cultural events open to the public
Watch films and documentaries that reflect on the residential school experience – the National Film Board of Canada offers a rich collection of Indigenous-made films
Support local Indigenous artists and businesses
Support the reclamation of identity, language, and culture

Mental Health Resources and Supports

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult, as many continue to reflect, heal and confront traumas. If you require support, the following resources are available:

Crisis Services Canada,1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Hope For Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples, 1-855-242-3310
Native Youth Crisis Line, 1-877-209-1266
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides emotional and crisis referral services at a 24-hour line, 1-866-925-4419

Image Credit: Orange Shirt Society – Every Child Matters

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Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory is a business accelerator, dedicated to helping Ontario-based businesses launch, scale, and succeed. Supporting the Brant, Halton, Hamilton and Norfolk regions, we provide start-ups, and scaling companies with advisory services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to help bring disruptive technologies to market, leverage intellectual property, increase revenues, attract investment and create jobs. Innovation can happen anywhere, our goal is to make it work everywhere. We work to elevate key industry sectors including advanced manufacturing, clean tech, information technology, smart transportation, life sciences & health care and social innovations. We are passionate about driving the growth of Ontario businesses like yours. Whether you are an entrepreneur bringing new ideas to market or a scaling business trying to get to the next level, we want to help.