Today marks the start of Truth and Reconciliation week as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, a time to come together and reflect on and honour the lost children and Survivors of residential and day schools and commit to advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Origin of Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 30 was originally designated as Orange Shirt Day through a grassroots movement started by Phyllis Webstad in 2013 to honour the survivors and victims of residential and day schools. In 2021, the day was recognized by the Government of Canada as a federal holiday and designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Orange shirts are currently on sale at the U of G Bookstore, with $5 from every sale donated to the Survivors’ Secretariat an organization that organizes and supports efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute during its 140+ years of operation. The shirt design was created by Kaitlin Gallant, Indigenous graphic designer, illustrator, and beadwork artist.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation continues to lead national efforts to educate and engage Canadians. This year’s theme emphasizes Taking Truth to Action, a call to action for all Canadians to move from learning about the truth of our history to taking action that meaningfully advances reconciliation.
Learning the truth about the effects of colonization and the residential school system and engaging in reconciliation is a shared responsibility. As a place of higher learning, we have an obligation to educate on this tragic reality of Canada’s history and to work toward addressing the ongoing colonial legacy of residential and day schools. U of G acknowledges our immense role and responsibility in decolonization, Indigenization and reconciliation and continues to work alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples guided by our Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View.
As a part of this collective responsibility, we invite you to participate in Truth and Reconciliation Week events and take time to learn and reflect. Additionally, from Sept. 21 to Sept. 30 U of G will fly the Survivors’ Flag and light Johnston Hall orange, and on Sept. 30 lower the campus flags.
Learn how you can get involved and learn more on the Indigenous Initiatives website.
Reconciliation and remembrance at U of G
Monday, Sept. 21, 1 to 2 p.m. (SSC 1306 and online)
Registered Dietitian Marley Fisher will present an engaging seminar on Indigenous health, nutrition and community-based diabetes care. The event is free and open to all; no registration required.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (Art Gallery of Guelph and Branion Plaza)
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, we invite the campus community to gather and honour survivors and the children who never returned home:
- 9:30-10 a.m.; Walk from Circle Mound at the Art Gallery of Guelph to Branion Plaza
- 10 – 10:30 a.m.; Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation at Branion Plaza
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1 to 2 p.m. (Johnston Hall)
Sewehia:rak: We Remember is an opportunity for members of the U of G community to name and learn more about the countless victims and survivors of the Canadian Indian Residential Boarding Schools (IRS).
Dr. David MacDonald Reports on the State of Reconciliation in Canada
MacDonald recently authored a report for the National Council for Reconciliation, collecting insight from 20 leading Indigenous and settler experts on the current state of reconciliation, more than a decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada outlined 94 Calls to Action. The report finds progress, but also stagnation, backsliding and new challenges.
Explore Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews with the library. This online collection highlights a variety of Indigenous writers, content, and research frameworks. Inside this collection, you’ll find a sub-collection dedicated to Reading for Truth and Reconciliation. New titles are added to these collections each year. Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation Week at the library.
Mtigwaaki Trail in the U of G Arboretum
Reflect as you take a walk on the Mtigwaaki Trail to engage with the land and learn from interpretive signs that explore the understanding of the forest from an Anishinabek perspective and call us to act on how we can better treat Mother Earth.
Community events
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. (Guelph Civic Museum)
Children, youth, and community members are invited to come together in the spirit of remembrance and renewal. The gathering will include a Sacred Fire, indoor and outdoor activities, and a special raptor presentation.
Sept. 21 to 25, 2 to 3 p.m. (Online)
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation invites you to join their daily Lunch and Learn webinars to unlearn the myths of colonial history in Canada.