National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 26, 2024

Dear Members,

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we would like to highlight the importance of holding space for Indigenous voices at this time of hurting and healing. We recognize that as an educational institution, we are generational beneficiaries of the Residential School systems throughout Canada and the great loss of generations of Indigenous children.

The colonial education system was established for the purpose of taking land, language, and culture away from Indigenous communities. The last residential school closed in 1996 — only 28 years ago. We would like to highlight that these systems did not disappear, but instead have been integrated into how Canada mandates policies and procedures around policing, education, and child welfare systems, which disproportionately displace and harm Indigenous communities.

One of the reasons we observe Orange Shirt Day -the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is to recognize the ongoing strength, resiliency, and perseverance of Indigenous communities. The story behind the orange shirt comes from Phyllis Webstad's first day at the Saint Joseph Residential School near Williams Lake, B.C. You can read Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story about her orange shirt here. It is one of many that speaks to the appalling historical experiences of Indigenous communities and the amount of work, time, and effort it takes to undo and unlearn these harms. 

On September 30th we make space to honour and recognize the ongoing work in our community to break away from colonial cycles of harm and the continued work in reclaiming and revitalizing language, culture, and relationship to the land. We make space to listen with our eyes, ears, and heart to the truth as told by Indigenous peoples so that we can break away from the false histories, narratives, and stereotypes that have been generationally perpetuated.

September 30th is a day to take time to reflect on both the history of colonial violence and current colonial violence perpetrated upon Indigenous bodies and land. It is also a time to reflect on positive work that is being done now. Thanks to all of the ongoing advocacy and collective work we are seeing an increase in Indigenous youth who are seeking and finding connections to language, culture, and the land with the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. We raise our hands to all of the faculty and staff who support Indigenous students in their pursuit of post-secondary education here on Stó:lō Temexw (Stó:lō land and world — where the mountains meet the river). 

We recognize and honour Indigenous peoples and their rights as highlighted in both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous People. 

We invite you to join one of your local events happening for Orange Shirt Day. Please see the list of local events below:

Abbotsford

Chilliwack

Langley

  • National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: A Day to Honour, Understand & Heal
    • When: September 28, 10am-5pm Free
    • Where: Fort Langley National Historic Site
      Program: 10:30am: Len Pierre will discuss colonial Canada in a safe and inclusive environment. Q & A to follow.
    • More: Métis House exhibit, create a button, watch a film, browse books on the history of residential schools and colonization. More information here.

Surrey

Vancouver

  • Orange Shirt Day
    • When: Monday September 30th starting at 9am
      • 9:45am Walk to Grandview Park
      • 9:45am onward: Ceremony, Elder Testimonials, lunch, drum circle, crafting, sharing
    • Where: Assemble at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (1607 East Hastings) 

If you are unable to attend one of these events, but would like to learn more, please see some of the resources below. Please be aware that the content in these resources may be traumatic and disturbing for people as they speak to Indigenous children's experiences with Residential Schools.


Alyson Gher-White, Decolonization, Reconciliation, Indigenization Representative
Tim Dueck, Vice-President Bargaining
Toni Latour, Non-Regular Employees Representative
Jennifer Martel, Acting Social Committee Chair & Steward
Greg Mather, President
Jeff Mijo-Burch, Communications Committee Representative
Lisa Morry, Vice President, Engagement
Margaret Nickelchok, Staff Chief Steward
Sheila McKay, Secretary Treasurer

Image credit: Orange background with feather graphic. Design created using Canva. Feather image by ©Boedie Oetomo via Canva.com.

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