National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a moment to reflect
Athabasca University (AU) will be closed on Sept. 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
To mark and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, AU will host a series of events to allow for reflection and remembrance.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action No. 80:
“We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
We encourage our community members to join other Canadians in wearing orange on Sept. 30 to honour and remember residential school survivors.
AU will be closed on Sept. 30 to allow time for reflection and commemoration of this day. AU supports and respects our Indigenous students, alumni, team members, and community members. I urge all members of our community to take the time to remember and reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system on the survivors and their families for generations.
AU will be marking the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day with a series of significant events:
Sept. 19-23
Athabasca University Students’ Union Indigenous Week
Monday, Sept. 26
Survivors’ Flag raising at Athabasca administrative campus.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
Opening of the Linda Bull Memorial Garden and Bertha Clark-Jones, O.C., Art Gallery at Athabasca administrative campus. Event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Ovide Mercredi will speak about Indigenous self-determination as part of Nukskahtowin’s Four Seasons Speakers Series.
Friday, Sept. 30
AU to close for a day of reflection for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange and to participate in Orange Shirt Day activities in their local communities.
Sept. 26-30
Check The Hub throughout the week for inspiring stories and interviews about the accomplishments of AU’s Indigenous students and alumni.
Teachings and resources
I urge all members of the AU community to take a moment to learn and reflect on Sept. 30. Here are some important resources compiled by our colleagues in Nukskahtowin:
- Orange Shirt Day
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, University of Manitoba
- Truth and Reconciliation Week, Sept. 26-30 (virtual event)
Books
- AU Press book recommendations to learn about Indigenous Peoples and culture
- 48 books by Indigenous writers to read to understand residential schools – CBC News
Films
- Indian Horse (Netflix)
- Residential Schools (National Film Board of Canada)
- Residential Schools (Vimeo)
- Short Films
- Movies – IMDb
Sincerely,
Dr. Peter Scott
President
Athabasca University
