Today marks the start of Truth and Reconciliation week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30. It is a time for us to come together to reflect on and honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools and commit to playing a part in advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
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 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.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation continues to lead national efforts to educate and engage Canadians. This year’s theme emphasizes Reconciliation is Yours to Achieve, a call to action for all Canadians to take personal and institutional responsibility in advancing reconciliation.
In the coming weeks, there are events and initiatives across U of G that students, faculty and staff can participate in to reflect on the history of residential schools, honour survivors, the children that never returned home and their families and commit to everyday actions. Additionally, from Sept. 22 to Sept. 30 U of G will fly the Survivor Flag and light Johnston Hall orange, and on Sept 30. lower the campus flags.
U of G acknowledges our immense role and responsibility in 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.
By taking time to learn, listen, reflect and get involved, our individual and collective efforts can contribute to building understanding, trust and healing in our campus community.
Learn more on the Indigenous Initiatives website.
Get involved in reconciliation and remembrance activities
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Macdonald Hall – MakerSpace (rm 111)
In this workshop participants will reflect upon the legacy of residential schools while creating their own orange shirt pin. This workshop invites participants to work with ceremonial tobacco if they feel comfortable.
Open to students, staff and faculty. Register to attend.
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, we invite the campus community to gather and honour survivors and the children who never returned home:
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9:30 to 10 a.m.; Walk from Circle Mound at the Art Gallery of Guelph to Branion Plaza
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10 to 10:30 a.m.; Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation at Branion Plaza
Tuesday, 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).
Orange Shirt Day Gathering on Johnston Green
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 5 p.m., Johnston Green
Join us on Johnston Green to show your support for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We invite everyone to wear orange and come together in solidarity. In collaboration with the Guelph Turfgrass Institute and Simplistic Lines, Johnston Green will be painted orange to mark this important day. A group photo will be taken by drone to capture the moment. No registration required.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Guelph-Humber Atrium and Art Gallery
Join the community at Guelph-Humber to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, Varsity Field
The Gryphon Men’s Lacrosse team will wear orange jerseys for their game on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The jerseys were inspired by a mural in the Gryphons Athletics Centre designed by Anishinaabe artist Luke Swinson. At the game, there will be a resource table with orange shirt day pins and a QR code that links to resources for people to learn more about the day’s origins and significance.
Thursday, Oct 2, 6 to 8 p.m., UC Basement, 001B
Honouring the footsteps of our ancestors, while considering the life we have led thus far, join Cree-Métis artist, Marissa Magneson to learn from the stories of herself and her ancestors as depicted through beaded dot art painting. Following an artist talk with Marissa, participants are invited to consider the stories of their ancestors and self, thinking of the footsteps they wish to leave behind for future generations, while creating a beaded dot art footprint to take home.
This event is open to all students, staff and faculty.
Ongoing
To support the U of G community’s journey toward reconciliation, Indigenous Initiatives and the Indigenous Student Centre have partnered with the McLaughlin Library to highlight Indigenous writers, content, and research frameworks. Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews includes a variety of novels, children’s literature, research and scholarly texts, and memoirs. Ensure you check out the sub-collections focused on Reading for Truth and Reconciliation.
You are also welcome to browse an in-person Gryph Reads display on the first floor of the library.