#every child matters
Dear University of Guelph Community Members,
On September 30, people across Canada will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation -- a day of reflection and action to honour the lost children, Survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities.
Canada's colonial history is painful, and the damaging legacy of residential schools continues to reverberate today. It is a reminder to all of us that we must continue in our learning about Canada's true past and commit to acts of reconciliation and decolonization for a better future.
Events are taking place at our Guelph campus throughout the day. I encourage you to take part and to consider actions you can take toward reconciliation. Supervisors are asked to support requests to participate in Truth and Reconciliation events where possible.
Honouring and Healing Together
September 30, noon to 2 p.m. | Johnston Green
Join students, faculty and staff as we come together in ceremony honouring Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned home. The ceremony is hosted by the Indigenous Student Centre and Indigenous Initiatives, in collaboration with the Indigenous Student Society.
The ceremony will begin with words from Elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke. There will be drumming throughout the ceremony, and a sacred fire and tobacco offerings will be available.
All students, faculty and staff are welcome and may wish to attend for the opening at noon or to drop by as they can.
Other events are taking place to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day:
Johnston Hall lit orange and flags at half-mast | Sept. 27 to Oct. 1
Along with other Canadian landmarks, Johnston Hall will be illuminated in orange during the evenings from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1. Campus flags will be at half-mast all week to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools.
Wear orange | Sept. 30 - all day
In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, on Sept. 30 our community is encouraged to wear orange clothing. Orange Shirt Day is inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, who wore an orange shirt on her first day at a residential school. The shirt was taken from her that day and has now become a symbol of the need for action toward reconciliation and an affirmation that every child matters.
Integrative Biology - Indigenous Belonging and Connections Committee ceremony | Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. - Summerlee Science Complex
The Department of Integrative Biology, through its Indigenous Belonging and Connections Committee, invites U of G community members to a ceremony outside the Summerlee Science Complex.
The committee has also installed a collection of books by Indigenous authors and about Indigenous experiences in the second-floor lounge of the science complex. Scholarly treatments, fiction, graphic novels and other works are available for U of G members to borrow.
Indigenous-inspired menu | Sept. 30 - University Centre Chef's Hall
Visit Chef's Hall in the UC to enjoy a menu inspired by Indigenous dishes. On offer are Three Sisters Soup; salmon, sauteed leeks and mushrooms with cider cream; bison and root vegetable stew; wild rice pilaf; sweet potato mash; and bannock.
"Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews"
Collection McLaughlin Library - Ongoing
The McLaughlin Library has added a subcategory to its Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews Collection in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Curated by Indigenous Initiatives and the Indigenous Student Centre, the collection of novels, memoirs, research texts and scholarly text includes resources that explore the history of residential schools in Canada.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reading Challenge
Online - Mondays from September through November
The School of English and Theatre Studies invites U of G community members to take part in reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report. During these online, 40-minute sessions to be held every Monday, U of G members may volunteer to read or just listen and are invited to take part in reflection, conversation and questions. Register online.
The University of Guelph is committed to and actively working toward decolonization and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, communities and lands. I encourage you to learn more about this work by reading Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View, the University of Guelph's Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.
On September 30, it is important that we all take time to consider our colonial history and its actions against First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We must also commit to the work each of us must do to ensure we are creating an equitable, supportive and accountable future.
Sincerely,
Charlotte A.B. Yates
President and Vice-Chancellor
