True North Aid | Canadian Charity Supporting Indigenous Communities

Northern Reads Book Club | Douglas Walbourne-Gough
2025-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Join us in an online conversation with poet 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗹𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲-𝗚𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵, 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗮𝘁 𝟳𝗣𝗠 𝗘𝗦𝗧.

Our friends at GoodMinds have offered free shipping on Douglas’ books of poetry, Crow Gulch and Island. Order Douglas Walbourne Gough books here: https://ow.ly/otSK50UXbTI

*𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴!

For more info and to register, follow this link: https://ow.ly/jiFb50UXbTQ

In the spirit of this literacy initiative, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗶𝗱’𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, our commitment to ensuring that northern and remote communities have access to Indigenous-authored and illustrated books.https://ow.ly/eRT150UXbTL

Northern Reads Book Club
2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)
Love literacy? So do we! 📚4 weeks today, on January 16th, 2025, True North Aid will host our first Northern Reads online Book Club, and we’re reading 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 by authors Andrew Stobo Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson!Join us at 6PM EST with your questions and comments for the authors.For more info and to register, follow this link: https://form.jotform.com/223393766152258

Need to purchase the book? GoodMinds is offering free shipping! (Use code BOOKCLUB2025 at the checkout.) Purchase here: https://goodminds.com/products/valley-of-the-birdtail-an-indian-reserve-a-white-town-and-the-road-to-reconciliation

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗶𝗱’𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, our commitment to ensuring that northern and remote communities have access to Indigenous-authored and illustrated books.

Read and Reel: A Fundraising Event for Northern Reads
2024-11-17 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
On Sunday, November 17 a “Read and Reel” will be hosted at the Gorge Cinema in Elora, ON in support of True North Aid’s literacy program, Northern Reads. A member of the Guelph Indigenous Community Council will open in a good way before screening the film Red Fever together. Your ticket purchase will be entered into a draw to win a bundle of Indigenous-authored books!

For more info and to purchase a ticket visit: Read & Reel for Northern Reads Eventbrite page.

A Taste of Indigenous Canada: A Winter Celebration | Kingston, ON
2024-11-16 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Crossroads United Church, 690 Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd, Kingston, ON, Canada
Buy Tickets HERE!

True North Aid is a national charity that supports northern and remote Indigenous communities with practical humanitarian aid. In addition to funding Indigenous-led, community-centred initiatives, we also celebrate Indigenous culture through hosting reconciliatory educational opportunities.

A Taste of Indigenous Canada (ATOIC) aims to elevate Indigenous voices by providing space for the sharing of culture and teachings with the wider community.

Join us for this unique and memorable event as we:

Gather for a time of teaching and reflection with Wahwahbiginojii Dr. Dave Anderson, author of A Winter Celebration

Support Indigenous artisans

Taste Indigenous foods

Participate in interactive learning

Listen to drumming and singing

Ticket prices:$10 per adult$5 per child (4-12 yrs)Children 3 and under – free

Rock Your Mocs
2024-11-10 00:00 - 2024-11-16 23:59 (America/Toronto)
Established in 2011, Rock Your Mocs, is best described as a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples virtual unity event held annually and during November National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S.A. During the Rock Your Mocs, people wear their moccasins, take a photo, create a video or story, add the hashtag #ROCKYOURMOCS and upload to social media.

Indigenous Veterans Day
2024-11-08 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
This November 8th is National Aboriginal Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. This Aboriginal Veterans Day, we would like to express our gratitude for the contributions Indigenous veterans have made to Canada and the world.

National Aboriginal Veterans Day began in Winnipeg in 1994 when Indigenous veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities, and is now celebrated in many communities across Canada. Over 12,000 Indigenous people are estimated to have volunteered in all three wars, including 7,000 First Nations members, and approximately 300 died during these conflicts.

Inuit Day
2024-11-07 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
International Inuit Day is an opportunity to celebrate, listen to, and learn from Inuit from across the North. It is a day to honour the rich contributions and vibrant ways of knowing and being of Inuit across the globe.

In 2006, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) declared that November 7th, the birth date of ICC visionary, Eben Hopson Sr., will be recognized annually as “International Inuit Day”. Eben Hopson was the founder of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. The ICC represents the approximately 165,000 Inuit across the North, in places commonly known as Canada, the United States, Greenland and Russia.

Treaties Recognition Week
2024-11-03 00:00 - 2024-11-09 23:59 (America/Toronto)
Treaties Recognition Week, which takes place annually during the first week of November, honours the importance of treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.

Settler Discussion Series: Week 4
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
In addition to serving remote, northern Indigenous communities with humanitarian aid, our organization further commits to providing Settlers with reconciliatory opportunities to engage in.

This discussion series was created in response to:

the momentum of Settler Canadians seeking a platform by which to begin their individual journey of reconciliation and engage in meaningful dialogue

the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action, specifically #54, and #s 62-65

Each week an engaging, interactive digital email containing information of the next week’s topic will be emailed to you. Additionally, a Zoom link to participate online according to the date and time you chose will also be emailed. This homework requires at least 1 hour of your attention to fully participate and learn from during your four week commitment.

It is our honour and privilege to host and facilitate this platform for you.

This discussion series is open to non-Indigenous and Indigenous people across Canada. We will meet on Thursday evenings starting September 12th, 2024 at 7pm EST. Register HERE.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day
2024-09-30 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

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

Toronto Reconciliation Walk
2024-09-29 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON, M3J2P3, Canada
The Reconciliation Walk is an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous people, in particular, to learn about the history we were not taught in school, as it will present the truth about Canada’s justification for the establishment of residential schools in a self-guided timeline and its resulting harm against Indigenous people then and today.

This event is FREE and everyone is welcome.

The Toronto Reconciliation Walk, in partnership with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, will take place at Black Creek Pioneer Village on September 29th from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

For more information email gap@truenorthaid.ca

Guelph Reconciliation Walk
2024-09-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Riverside Park, Green Pavilion 709 Woolwich Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
The Reconciliation Walk is an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous people, in particular, to learn about the history we were not taught in school, as it will present the truth about Canada’s justification for the establishment of residential schools in a self-guided timeline and its resulting harm against Indigenous people then and today.This event is FREE and everyone is welcome.

The Guelph Reconciliation Walk, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Guelph, will take place at the Riverside Park on September 29th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information email gap@truenorthaid.ca

Katie Koopman

gap@truenorthaid.ca

Brockville Reconciliation Walk - Mac Johnson
2024-09-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Mac Johnson Wildlife Centre, Debruge Rd, Brockville, Ontario, K6V 5T2, Canada
The Reconciliation Walk is an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous people, in particular, to learn about the history we were not taught in school, as it will present the truth about Canada’s justification for the establishment of residential schools in a self-guided timeline and its resulting harm against Indigenous people then and today.This event is FREE and everyone is welcome.

This Brockville Reconciliation Walk, in partnership with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, will take place at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Centre on September 29th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information email gap@truenorthaid.ca

Kingston Reconciliation Walk
2024-09-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, 1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie, ON, K0H 1S0, Canada
The Reconciliation Walk is an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous people, in particular, to learn about the history we were not taught in school, as it will present the truth about Canada’s justification for the establishment of residential schools in a self-guided timeline and its resulting harm against Indigenous people then and today.This event is FREE and everyone is welcome.

The Kingston Reconciliation Walk, in partnership with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, will take place at the Little Cataraqui Conservation Area on September 29th from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information email gap@truenorthaid.ca

Settler Discussion Series: Week 3
2024-09-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)

Settler Discussion Series: Week 2
2024-09-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
In addition to serving remote, northern Indigenous communities with humanitarian aid, our organization further commits to providing Settlers with reconciliatory opportunities to engage.

This discussion series was created in response to:

the momentum of Settler Canadians seeking a platform by which to begin their individual journey of reconciliation and engage in meaningful dialogue

the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action, specifically #54, and #s 62-65

Each week an engaging, interactive digital email containing information of the next week’s topic will be emailed to you. Additionally, a Zoom link to participate online according to the date and time you chose will also be emailed. This homework requires at least 1 hour of your attention to fully participate and learn from during your four week commitment.

It is our honour and privilege to host and facilitate this platform for you.

This discussion series is open to non-Indigenous and Indigenous people across Canada. We will meet on Thursday evenings starting September 12th, 2024 at 7pm EST. Register HERE.

Settler Discussion Series: Week One
2024-09-12 07:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
2024-08-09 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9th each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population.

Ricing Moon
2024-08-01 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
The Ricing Moon represents balance, harmony and the future. This is a time when wild rice is typically harvested and a ceremony is conducted. Wild rice is known as the “good berry” and is highly nutritious.

Nunavut Day
2024-07-09 12:00 (America/Toronto)
Nunavut Day, which is annually celebrated on July 9, commemorates passing of two Nunavut acts. The Canadian Parliament passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act on July 9, 1993. Nunavut officially split from the Northwest Territories and became a Canadian territory on April 1, 1999.

Indigenous Peoples Day
2024-06-21 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Toronto)
A day to celebrate the culture, contributions and accomplishments of First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canada.

Back-To-School Applications Open
2024-05-10 08:00 - 2024-05-17 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Through this program, communities can apply for one standard package per student, which includes the following: a backpack (optional), pencils, markers, crayons, pencil crayons, erasers, glue sticks, scissors, pencil sharpener, ruler, pencil case and notebooks. Applications are due May 17th, 2024. You can apply for school supplies HERE.

To ensure fairness and equal opportunity, communities that have been provided with back to school supplies in 2023 will not be considered at this time. Please note that your application must be on behalf of the community and not individuals.

As always, I’m here to help you with whatever your needs are. Feel free to contact me at amanda@truenorthaid.ca or by phone/text at 226-444-3385!

A Taste of Indigenous Canada - Edmonton
2024-04-07 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Knottwood Community Centre, 449 Knottwood Rd W Northwest,, Edmonton, AB, T6K 3N1, Canada
On Sunday, April 7th, from 12-5pm, True North Aid will host a celebration of Indigenous culture through education at the Knottwood Community Centre, in Edmonton. This event is called A Taste of Indigenous Canada. Together, we will enjoy traditional food, a Powwow 101 workshop, and local Indigenous vendors will be present to purchase from. We’re also so excited to have Chubby Cree perform!

Tickets are on sale NOW. $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Youth under 12 years old $5 and Families $45 (2 adults and 2 youth).

Market-only access by donation. Purchase tickets HERE.

We also need a few volunteers to help with registration, set-up/take-down, as well as a volunteer photographer.

Please email Katie at gap@truenorthaid.ca if you can help out!

Settler Discussion Series: Week Four
2024-03-26 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
In addition to serving remote, northern Indigenous communities with humanitarian aid, our organization further commits to providing Settlers with reconciliatory opportunities to engage in.

This discussion series was created in response to:

the momentum of Settler Canadians seeking a platform by which to begin their individual journey of reconciliation and engage in meaningful dialogue

the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action, specifically #54, and #s 62-65

Each week an engaging, interactive digital email containing information of the next week’s topic will be emailed to you. Additionally, a Zoom link to participate online according to the date and time you chose will also be emailed. This homework requires at least 1 hour of your attention to fully participate and learn from during your four week commitment.

It is our honour and privilege to host and facilitate this platform for you.

This discussion series is open to non-Indigenous and Indigenous people across Canada. We will meet on Tuesday evenings starting March 5th, 2024 at 7pm EST.

REGISTER HERE

Community Information Session
2024-03-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | ONLINE via Zoom
Do you live, work, or are from a remote community? Do you have a great idea for your community but need help figuring out how to start? Want to find out more about True North Aid’s initiatives and have your questions answered live or hear from others?

We’re having a LIVE Information Session on Thursday, March 21st, at 3pm EST for communities to learn more about our initiatives and how we can help you with a project. This presentation is led by Amanda Amesse, Outreach Manager with True North Aid, who will answer any questions you have while on the zoom.

Join us Thursday, March 21st at 3pm EST via Zoom! Register at this link

Settler Discussion Series: Week Three
2024-03-19 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | ONLINE via Zoom

Settler Discussion Series: Week Two
2024-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | ONLINE via Zoom
In addition to serving remote, northern Indigenous communities with humanitarian aid, our organization further commits to providing Settlers with reconciliatory opportunities to engage in.

This discussion series was created in response to:

the momentum of Settler Canadians seeking a platform by which to begin their individual journey of reconciliation and engage in meaningful dialogue

the Truth and Reconciliation’s 94 Calls to Action, specifically #54, and #s 62-65

Each week an engaging, interactive digital email containing information of the next week’s topic will be emailed to you. Additionally, a Zoom link to participate online according to the date and time you chose will also be emailed. This homework requires at least 1 hour of your attention to participate and learn from during your four-week commitment fully.

It is our honour and privilege to host and facilitate this platform for you.

This discussion series is open to non-Indigenous and Indigenous people across Canada. We will meet on Tuesday evenings starting March 5th, 2024 at 7pm EST.

REGISTER HERE

Settler Discussion Series: Week One
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)

Authors Series: Drew Hayden Taylor
2024-02-27 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
On Tuesday evenings at 7pm throughout February, join us for a ‘meet & greet’ with uniquely talented and creative Indigenous Canadian authors.

Bring your favourite warm cuppa to our virtual gathering and enjoy one hour of author readings, inspiration, stories and a time of Q&A.

Registration is required. This is a free event.

REGISTER HERE
