September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day, a time to honour the Indigenous children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.

In recognition of this important day, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau joined host Shayla Oulette Stonechild for a reflective conversation on how healing and empowerment through wellness can support us in navigating the necessary, but often challenging, conversations around reconciliation. 

This event brings together the unique perspectives of Shayla, a Red River Métis and Nehiyaw iskwew (Plains Cree woman), founder of the Matriarch Movement and global yoga ambassador for lululemon, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, an author and passionate mental health advocate committed to supporting reconciliation.

Shayla's lived experience as an Indigenous woman, paired with Sophie’s role as an ally, offers a powerful dialogue on how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can engage in the reconciliation process. Their collaboration emphasizes the importance of honouring Indigenous voices while encouraging non-Indigenous individuals to actively participate in reconciliation through awareness, healing, wellness, and meaningful action.

The session includes a discussion on the significance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day for both Shayla and Sophie, followed by a guided meditation, breathwork, and accessible movement (yoga). The event concluces with a Q&A session, allowing the audience to engage in thoughtful dialogue.

Shayla shared her personal connection to residential schools through her father's experiences. Sophie emphasized the importance for non-Indigenous people to learn from Indigenous healing practices. They discussed the significance of community, the role of wellness practices like fasting and yoga, and the importance of addressing trauma through movement and support.

Follow along with the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VH-4kD8N1Ec

Links and resources from this discussion:

94 Calls To Action:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf

More about “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

More about “Orange Shirt Day” and its origins:

https://orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story/#story

Donate to Matriarch Movement:

https://buy.stripe.com/28og0zcec1Gy4ZG145

Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Fund:

https://www.irsss.ca/

Hope for Wellness Line

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada: 1 855 242 3310

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia and beyond. Survivors can also access support as part of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The crisis line will remain open during the winter holidays.

Lamathut Crisis Line Call at 1 800 721 0066

Continue learning:

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

https://www.ictinc.ca/books/21-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-indian-act

Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality by Bob Joseph

https://www.indigenousrelationsacademy.com/products/indigenous-relations

How to be a force for change: Jody Wilson Raybould

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/true-reconciliation-how-to-be-a-force-for-change/9780771004384.html

Who We Are - Four Questions for a Life and a Nation: Murray Sinclair

https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9780771099106/murray-sinclair/who-we-are

Indigenous Healing by Rupert Ross

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/392410/indigenous-healing-by-rupert-ross/9780143191100

Sacred Instructions by Sherri Mitchell

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36626827-sacred-instructions

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