Artwork: ‘Truth,’ by Eliot White-Hill (2021). Learn more about this work in Eliot’s artist statement.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as designated by the federal government in response to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 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. (From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action)
There will be no teaching or classes at UBC Geography on Thursday 30th September.
This day is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the legacy of the residential school system, and the lasting damage that communities and survivors are still healing from.
We acknowledge the deep, profound and ongoing grief of Indigenous communities as the remains of children continue to be uncovered at the sites of former residential schools. Our thoughts are with all who mourn, and we stand with all First Nations in seeking the truth about their missing children, and having them returned to their communities and families.
We strongly encourage all our students, staff and faculty to participate in whatever aspect of Orange Shirt Day is accessible to you at this time.
Below are some suggested resources:
