We are weeks into more discoveries of mass graves at various residential schools. It’s no longer enough to react to these repeating headlines with shock. There are things we can all be doing to support the communities that carry the trauma we read about. See below for a few ideas on how to show up and show support.

Learn and Unlearn:

• There is a free online course at the University of Alberta on Indigenous histories.
• Read the Truth and Reconciliation report that was released four years ago and the calls to action (a small percentage of items promised in this report have been completed)
• Read Indigenous authors and storytellers. I recommend Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese and Our History is The Future by Nick Estes. But there are many more!
• Listen to podcasts created by Indigenous communities

Support:

• Buy from Indigenous owned businesses
• Donate to charities that support Indigenous communities: The Legacy of Hope Foundation, True North Aid, Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Native Women’s Association of Canada, First Nations Family and Caring Society
• Listen to Indigenous artists on Spotify and add them to your playlists.

Please note that if you’re sharing traumatic news headlines to also share the number for the national Indian Residential School Crisis Line that has been set up to provide support for residential school survivors and others affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866-925-4419.