September 30 marks 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.  

Reconciliation happens when we all do our part. 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 the 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. The event is free, however seating is limited, register to attend. 

Heart Garden 
As we reflect on the legacy of the residential school system in Canada, we remember the Indigenous lives lost and honour the survivors and their families. Show your support by participating in the planting and tending of OPL’s Heart Garden. OPL 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. From September 23-28, you can find the heart garden activity available at all 33 OPL branches. 

National Film Board films 
Come watch National Film Board (NFB) short films, which will be played in open branches on September 30. These are the films that will be playing on loop: 

Holy Angels
Etlinisigu'niet (Bleed Down) 
The Lost Children 
Christmas at Moose Factory 
The Amendment 
Sisters & Brothers 
Stories Are in Our Bones 

You can also check out the special book displays highlighting Indigenous book recommendations (in branch), and OPL’s booklist recommendations on our website for youth and for adults too. These activities are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association. 

For more Indigenous content, check out the Library’s Indigenous collections: read, listen to, or view works from our collection of books, films, and music by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit authors and artists; also learn about Indigenous languages, book recommendations and upcoming programs.