TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY FAMILY RESOURCES FROM ABBOTSFORD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

At ACS, we believe in a God who desires us to reconcile all things to Him. Thanks for taking the time to watch and we encourage your family to use the resources provided below during this important time in the life of our school and country.

Personal Story

BY bill adsit, tahltan band member & residential school survivor

We were inspired by Bill's personal story as he shares it at the 2020 National Prayer Breakfast. We hope you are inspired too.

LOCAL, In-PERSON EVENTS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 30

FriDAY, OCTOBER 3

activities

  • Visit the Story Walk at the elementary campus. Spend time walking and reading. “Semá:th X̱ó:tsa: Sts'ólemeqwelh Sx̱ó:tsa (Great Gramma's Lake)" is a children’s book published by The Reach Gallery Museum, in collaboration with Stó:lō partners, that tells the story of the draining of Sumas Lake from an Indigenous perspective. The project is illustrated by Carrielynn Victor and co-authored by Chris Silver, Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds, and Laura Schneider.
  • Connect with Indigenous family and friends today. Spend time listening to their stories, observe them valuing Indigenous culture, and hear their heart for reconciliation.
  • Go for a walk with your family in creation, give God thanks for his bountiful creation. Spend time talking about our call to steward his creation. Wonder together about what we can learn from our Indigenous communities about stewarding our earth well.

FAMILY RESOURCES

ACTIVITY SHEETS

Michelle Stoney, BC Indigenous artist, has made her printable artwork available as colouring sheets for kids.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Truth & Reconciliation Day Family Discussion Guide from Scholastic

BOOKS TO READ WITH KIDS

  • The Girl Who Loved Birds by Joseph Dandurand (Ages 4-8)
  • A Magical Sturgeon by Joseph Dandurand (Ages 4-8)
  • When We Were Alone by David A. Robinson and Julie Flett (Ages 4-8
  • Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola Campbell (Ages 4-8)
  • Shin-chi's Canoe, by Nicola Campbell (Ages 4-8)
  • Arctic Stories, by Michael Kusugak (Ages 4-8)
  • Kookum's Red Shoes, by Peter Eyvindson (Ages 4-8)
  • Fatty Legs: A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Ages 9-12)
  • A Stranger at Home: A True Story, by Christy Jordan-Fenton and Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Ages 9-12)
  • No Time to Say Goodbye: Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School, by Sylvia Olsen (Ages 9-12)
  • As Long as the Rivers Flow, by Larry Loyie (Ages 9-12)
  • My Name is Seepeetza, by Shirley Sterling (Ages 9-12)
  • We feel good out here = Zhik gwaa'an, nakhwatthaiitat qwiinzii (The Land is Our Storybook) by Julie-Ann André and Mindy Willett (Ages 9-12)
Read CBC article with book descriptions

CHILDREN'S VIDEOS

CBC KIDS: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation YouTube playlist

Documentary

The Salmon's Call: A documentary exploring the intricate spiritual and cultural relationship between wild salmon and Indigenous people.

Residential School Survivor Stories

YUMMO COMES HOME: A Residential School Healing Journey by Outreach Canada

NATIONAL FILM BOARD: A series of short documentaries and survivor stories on residential schools in Canada.

Bones of Crows: CONTENT WARNING (older audiences) A family is forced into a fight for survival that spans generations.

THE STRANGER

“The Stranger” is the first full chapter and song of The Secret Path. Adapted from Gord Downie’s album and Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel, The Secret Path chronicles the heartbreaking story of Chanie Wenjack’s residential school experience and subsequent death as he escapes and attempts to walk 600 km home to his family.

Watch on YouTube

A Christian Response to Reconciliation

CREATED BY
Abbotsford Christian School