The Oral Testimony Program (OTP) ensures that the experiences of those who attended and were directly affected by residential schools and other institutions and systems of colonialism are recorded, preserved, and made accessible for future use. Recordings will be of special interest to Survivors, their families, communities, and/or general audiences. Any access to recordings will be made in accordance with individual and/or community stipulations.
Informed by Indigenous knowledge and methodologies, and stringent moral and ethical grounding, OTP recognizes the importance and continuity of Indigenous traditions of orality, oral history, oral testimony and storytelling.
OTP currently has three intersecting streams:
Recording
In response to requests from Survivors, intergenerational Survivors, and Indigenous communities, the Centre supports the recording of truths and testimonies related to the Indian Residential Schools and other institutions and systems of colonialism. If you are interested in having your individual testimony recorded, or are a community wishing to dialogue around a testimony gathering initiative for the people in your community, please email oral.testimony@ubc.ca or phone (604) 822-6941.
Partnering
To provide a single point of access to information about the Indian Residential School System (IRSS), the Centre hosts copies of recordings originating from the collections of partner institutions, such as the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn about the Centre’s current records partners.
Projects
Incorporates testimony gathered as part of specific initiatives led by or partnered by the Centre. These projects will involve other components beyond just testimony (e.g. textual documentation, photographs, etc.) Such initiatives will often be topic- or theme-based. Learn about the Centre’s past and upcoming exhibitions.