A Day To Listen

Laurie Hermiston is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario. She is strong advocate, community practitioner and partnership specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the Indigenous community on local, provincial and national levels. She has organized many community engagement projects, advisory circles and symposiums in Ontario, and presented to countless a...

Kyla Pascal is a Métis, Black woman born and raised in Amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, Alberta). Over the years Kyla has worked with a number of non-profit organizations focusing on anti-oppression, advocacy, and community-building. Her experiences and interests are centred around Indigenous solidarity, sustainability, community health, and food justice. The goal of her work is to bu...

With their new sound that elegantly weaves the melodies using vocals, guitar and electronic elements. they create both intimate and anthemic music that would fit in a folk club, a dance club and anywhere in between. G.R. Gritt is a Two-Spirit, Transgender, Francophone, Anishinaabe and Métis artist.  

Stephanie Harpe is an International Advocate for MMEIP Murdered or Missing and Exploited Indigenous Peoples, Murder Attempt, Exploitation Survivor and Family member who was a part of public testimony for the National Inquiry. Keynote Speaker for United Nations, traveled 50 Indigenous communities in western Canada and hosted MMEIP support group for 3 years.

Peatr Thomas is a multidisciplinary Ininew and Anishinaabe self-taught full-time visual artist from the Pimicikamak and Miskooseepi territories located near the heart of Turtle Island. A Youth Facilitator of many years he is sharing passed down knowledge, traditional teachings, culture and the healing process in creating visual forms of art.  

Diane Roussin is a passionate community leader committed to the pursuit of pimadaziwin (the good life) for all families and children. Her in-depth knowledge of Indigenous issues and solutions flow directly from her strong sense of identity and worldview. She is a proud member of Skownan First Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg. Diane is currently the Project Director of the Winnipeg Boldness P...

DAVID A. ROBERTSON (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award. He is the author of numerous books for young readers including When We Were Alone, which won the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award and the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People Award. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg.  

Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter from Northeastern Ontario. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi embraces the beauty of the land, all the while yielding to her Franco-Ontarian and Abenaki roots  

Stewart Gonzales, who carries the traditional name Semplúyan, is a proud Two-Spirited Elder and member of the Squamish Nation with family connections to the Musqueam Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and is a residential school survivor. After attending St. Paul’s Indian Day School from 1966 to 1968, Semplúyan then attended Sechelt Residential School from 1968 to 1971. Through pers...

Salia Joseph is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Snuneymuxw First Nation’s on her father’s side and is British and Jewish on her mothers. Salia is a graduate from the First Nations and Indigenous studies program from the University of British Columbia. Salia is a Squamish language learner and is the executive director of The Sníchim Foundation which is a Sḵwx̱wú7mes language and culture non-profit

Dr. Duke Redbird, Elder, Poet, Human Rights Activist, Educator, and Artist. With a legacy stretching back to the 1960s, he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including poetry, painting, theatre, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the 60's & 70's giving voice to Indigenous people at major institutions and folk festivals across...

Sept 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and  A Day to Listen in partnership with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund. Join us for A Day to Listen 2022 - This Friday.

Peter Sackaney is a residential school survivor. Today, he uses his voice to educate others about the tragic history of residential schools.  

Tanya Talaga is an Ojibwe author and a visionary for Canada's reconciliation journey. Tanya fuses messages of truth, hope and Indigenous inclusion through her words. In times of grief and mourning, Indigenous Peoples turn to stories, culture and tradition to heal.   Tanya's bestselling books Seven Fallen Feathers and All Our Relations share important stories about the realities facing many In...

Dr. Alika Lafontaine is the founder of the 215 Pledge. Dr. Alika shares the importance of reclaiming a cycle of truth to understand history and our own experience as Canadians. We can make sure the lost children of the Indian Residential School system are remembered. Sign the pledge at 215pledge.ca

Tabatha Bull is the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Tabatha explains how Indigenous people were systematically excluded from Canada's economy and how we can all support Indigenous businesses today.  

Coralee works to break the cycle of violence against Indigenous women as the Executive Director of the Ontario Native Women's Association. ONWA seeks to empower women so they may achieve social and cultural well–being. The Ontario Native Women's Association operates programs to support women across Ontario. Learn more at onwa.ca

Shina Novalinga is a young Inuk reclaiming her heritage through Inuit throat singing. With an astounding 2.5 million Tik Tok followers, Shina Novalinga educates her generation about Inuit culture, tradition and history. Find Shina on Tik Tok and Instagram @ShinaNova

Isaac Murdoch is an Ojibway storyteller and traditional knowledge holder. Isaac encourages everyone  to take grief and negative energy to create a beautiful and better future for all children. Together, we can create a new path towards reconciliation. 

A residential school survivor, Theresa has made it her mission to share her experience so that history never repeats itself. Theresa reminds us all of the importance of teaching each generation about the truth of the residential school system so we can better understand the issues facing Indigenous communities today.

Bob has spent the last 30 years dedicated to Indigenous issues. He played an integral role in establishing Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission which issued 94 Calls to Action to address the ongoing impact of residential schools. More information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's 94 Calls to Action can be found at trc.ca. 

An award-winning Mi'kmaw poet, Rebecca begins her spoken word performances with a simple request: "For the next three minutes, you’re going to see the world through my eyes, and I ask that you empathize with us". Rebecca wrote a poem a few days after learning of the 215 children found buried at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC. 

An Algonquin from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Elder Commanda has dedicated her career to promoting First Nations rights, history and culture. She is a professor at the University of Ottawa and the Executive Director of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres. 

Nancy is a social emergency responder with the Canadian Red Cross. She has spent the last few weeks on the ground in Kamloops BC, supporting former residential school survivors with their heartbreak and trauma after the discovery of 215+ buried children. 

 Isaac Murdoch is an Ojibway storyteller and traditional knowledge holder. Isaac encourages everyone to take grief and negative energy to create a beautiful and better future for all children. Together, we can create a new path towards reconciliation.