On September 30, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites you to participate in events recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) at seven (7) of its branches (all other branches will be closed).
Together, we will honour the experiences, resilience, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
Author Talk with Jenny Kay Dupuis
On Wednesday, September 24 at 7:00 pm, award-winning author and storyteller Jenny Kay Dupuis will share her personal journey of using literature and art to break the silence on critical issues affecting Indigenous communities. Drawing from her bestselling children’s books, I Am Not a Number and Heart Berry Bling, Jenny Kay explores how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for truth-telling, healing, and empowerment. Find more details about this event and register.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Learning & Action Space
On September 30, seven (7) OPL branches will host a Learning and Action Space where you can engage in interactive and educational activities centered on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
The following branches will be open from 10 am to 5 pm:
- Greenboro, Main, Nepean Centrepointe, Beaverbrook, Cumberland, Ruth E. Dickinson, and St-Laurent branches
Everyone is welcome to drop-in and take part in the following activities:
The take-home Heart Garden is happening between September 22 to 30 in collaboration with the Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library. 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. Heart Gardens will be made from seeds, paper hearts, popsicle sticks, and regular white glue to keep everything environmentally friendly. You can take the hearts home to plant the seeds in the spring.
Watch National Film Board of Canada films featuring Indigenous stories and experiences. The following short films will be played on loop in open branches starting at 10:00 am until 4:30 pm:
- Etlinisigu'niet (Bleed Down)
- Les enfants perdus
- Sisters & Brothers
- Stories Are in Our Bones
- Christmas at Moose Factory
- The Amendment
- Holy Angels
The Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada maps will have staff from Canadian Geographic on-hand to provide guidance at the following branches and times:
- Cumberland Branch: 10:00 - 11:30
- Beaverbrook Branch: 11:30 - 1:00
- Dickenson Branch: 11:30 - 1:00
- St. Laurent Branch: 12:30 - 2:00
- Greenboro Branch: 2:00 - 3:30
- Nepean Branch: 2:00 - 3:30
- Main Branch: 3:00 - 4:30
Activities will be available in English, French, and several Indigenous languages, with a focus on Anishinaabemowin.
We thank our partners for their collaboration and support:
- Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) – overall support of the initiative
- Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library – Heart Garden activity
- Canadian Geographic – Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada maps
Join us in reflecting, learning, and taking action in support of truth and reconciliation.