Start your Truth and Reconciliation journey at the library

Truth and Reconciliation is an important day for remembering and acknowledging the horrible injustices against Indigenous communities. However, meaningful reconciliation is an ongoing effort to support Indigenous peoples in Niagara.  

If you want to be a better ally of Niagara’s Indigenous community, but don’t know where to start, here are some actions you can take today and throughout the year to prioritize education, reconciliation, and allyship: 

 Read books by Indigenous authors  

Learn about Indigenous history in Canada, the injustices Indigenous peoples endured, and the ongoing impacts of generational trauma that still lingers. Understanding and acknowledging the lived experience of Indigenous people in Niagara and across Canada is a meaningful first step towards reconciliation. You can get started by borrowing titles from our Truth and Reconciliation 2026 reading list for free with your library card.

Become familiar with the 94 Calls to Action  

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a government-sanctioned body that spent several years documenting this history of Canada’s Indian Residential School (IRS) system through testimony from residential school survivors. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Final Report, recommending 94 Calls to Action for the Canadian government to right such horrifying wrongs. Understanding these calls to action can help Canadians understand the depth of the trauma Indigenous communities endured and how each of us can become better advocates.  

Read the 94 Calls to Action online or pick up a printed copy from the Library on September 30. 

Learn about Indigenous organizations in Niagara 

The Niagara region is rich with Indigenous history, communities, and non-profit organizations. The Niagara Regional Native Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Niagara Chapter – Native Women Inc., and De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre are just a few of the many organizations supporting Indigenous people in Niagara. Explore their services, events, and opportunities to support each organization on their websites.

Watch Indigenous films 

Explore other forms of Indigenous art, including filmmaking, by exploring dozens of films, including documentaries, about the lives of Indigenous people. Borrow these movies for free with your St. Catharines Public Library card.

Attend Indigenous events 

Leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day and throughout the year, local organizations, post-secondary institutions, and city halls host commemorative and educations events to help our community understand our history.