Indigenous Resources
Explore resources about the histories, cultures, languages, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Learn about local Indigenous Nations, truth and reconciliation, and opportunities to deepen your understanding through books, films, educational resources, and Indigenous-led organizations.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the ongoing impacts on Indigenous families and communities.
The day is closely connected to Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013, and responds to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Learn more through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action [PDF] and the Government of Canada’s Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action page.
Support for Residential School Survivors and Families
Support is available for Survivors, families, and anyone affected by the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools.
Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066
KUU-US Crisis Line Society: 1-800-588-8717. A 24-hour crisis line offering culturally appropriate support for Indigenous people in BC.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419. Provides emotional support and crisis referrals for former residential school students and others affected.
Learning About Residential Schools & Reconciliation
Residential Schools Podcast
A three-part podcast series from Historica Canada, hosted by Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais, sharing the histories and experiences of residential school Survivors, their families, and communities.
Legacy of Hope Foundation
An Indigenous-led charitable organization supporting healing and reconciliation through education, awareness, and resources about the residential school system and its ongoing impacts.
Reconciliation: A Starting Point
A Government of Canada learning resource introducing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories, important events, and approaches to reconciliation.
Local Nations & Indigenous Organizations
Learn more about Indigenous Nations and organizations throughout the Okanagan, Shuswap, and surrounding regions.
Westbank First Nation: Culture & Language
Westbank First Nation is one of the member communities of the syilx Okanagan Nation. Explore information about syilx culture, language, history, and connections to the land.
Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre
The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre provides community programs, cultural activities, and services for Indigenous people of all ages in the Central Okanagan.
Okanagan Nation Alliance
The Okanagan Nation Alliance represents member communities of the syilx Okanagan Nation on shared matters. Explore information about syilx history, governance, culture, language, and initiatives throughout the Nation’s traditional territory.
Splatsin
Splatsin is a Secwépemc community located near Enderby and the Shuswap River. Learn about the community’s history, government, culture, and ongoing initiatives.
Sinixt Nation
Explore the history, culture, traditional territory, and ongoing work of the Sinixt Nation, whose ancestral lands extend through the Columbia River region of British Columbia and Washington State.
Ktunaxa Nation
Learn about the Ktunaxa Nation, its communities, history, language, governance, and traditional territory in southeastern British Columbia and neighbouring regions.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is a Secwépemc community based near Kamloops. Explore information about its history, culture, government, and community programs.
Learning About Indigenous Histories & Reconciliation
On Canada Project: Settlers Take Action
Explore suggested actions and educational resources for non-Indigenous people interested in learning about Indigenous histories, colonialism, and their responsibilities in reconciliation.
Indigenous Canada
A free, 12-lesson online course from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies. Explore Indigenous histories and contemporary issues, including Indigenous-settler relations, land claims, legal systems, political movements, and cultural expression.
Challenging Racist “British Columbia”: 150 Years and Counting
This illustrated resource explores the history of racist policies affecting Indigenous, Black, Asian, and other racialized communities in British Columbia, along with histories of resistance and anti-racist movements. The project also includes an interactive digital edition, videos, and educational resources.
APTN News
Follow news and current affairs from Indigenous perspectives across Canada. APTN News features reporting, investigative journalism, videos, podcasts, and programs covering Indigenous communities and issues.
IndigiNews
Explore Indigenous-centred journalism, community stories, and reporting on issues affecting Indigenous Peoples, including communities in British Columbia.
Canadian Race Relations Foundation
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation works to address racism and racial discrimination through education, research, and community partnerships. Explore free learning resources covering systemic racism, Indigenous treaties, bias, intercultural dialogue, and reconciliation.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrated annually on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day recognizes the cultures, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Explore background information and links to celebrations and educational activities.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month, an opportunity to learn about the histories, cultures, experiences, and achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Explore educational resources and information about this annual observance.
Language & Culture
Discover resources supporting Indigenous language learning, cultural preservation, and community knowledge.
First Peoples’ Map of BC
Explore an interactive map of Indigenous languages, arts, cultural groups, and communities throughout British Columbia. Find information about Indigenous artists, cultural centres, landmarks, and language resources.
Sncewips Heritage Museum
Located in West Kelowna, the Sncewips Heritage Museum shares syilx history, culture, stories, and traditions through exhibitions, collections, and educational programs.
Sncewips Heritage Museum: Language
Explore information and resources supporting the learning and revitalization of nsyilxcən, the language of the syilx Okanagan Nation.
Syilx Language House
A community-based organization dedicated to revitalizing N̓syilxčn̓ through language immersion, teaching, recordings, and educational resources.
FirstVoices
Explore Indigenous language dictionaries, recordings, and learning resources developed with Indigenous communities to support language documentation, teaching, and revitalization.
Other Indigenous Language Resources
Blackfoot Dictionary
A language resource from the Algonquian Dictionaries Project.
Mi’kmaq Talking Dictionary
Explore Mi’kmaq vocabulary and pronunciations.
Online Cree Dictionary
Search Cree words and translations.
Books & Films
Explore these reading and viewing lists created by ORL librarians, available in the library catalogue.
ORL Reading Lists
Indigenous History Month
Explore books celebrating Indigenous histories, cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Indigenous History Month for Children
Discover books introducing young readers to Indigenous histories, cultures, stories, and perspectives.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Explore books highlighting the histories, experiences, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
Films & Documentaries
Indigenous Films
Explore a librarian-created list of films featuring Indigenous stories, histories, experiences, and perspectives.
National Film Board: Indigenous Cinema
Discover films by Indigenous filmmakers through the National Film Board of Canada’s online collection, including documentaries, animation, and other works.
Documentaries on Kanopy
Explore documentaries about residential schools and their impacts through Kanopy, available with an ORL library card.
Beyond the Shadows
A documentary examining the history of residential and boarding schools and their lasting effects on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
Thick Dark Fog
Follow Lakota Elder Walter Littlemoon’s journey of healing after his childhood experiences in a government boarding school, and his efforts to reconnect with his culture and community.
Our Spirits Don’t Speak English
A documentary exploring the history of the American Indian boarding school system through personal interviews and historical accounts.
Smoke from His Fire
Discover the story of Kwaxsistala, also known as Adam Dick, a Kwakwaka’wakw knowledge keeper who preserved cultural teachings and traditions through a period of government suppression.
Books for Talking with Children About Residential Schools
For Younger Readers
When I Was Eight: Ebook | Audiobook
Not My Girl: Ebook | Audiobook
For Older Readers
A Stranger at Home: Ebook | Audiobook
News & Magazines
Canadian Newsstream
Explore Canadian newspaper coverage of Indigenous issues, reconciliation, and current events through the ORL’s Online Resources.
Canadian Geographic: Indigenous Voices
Read stories exploring Indigenous histories, cultures, communities, and efforts to preserve and reclaim cultural knowledge. Available through PressReader.