Truth and Reconciliation Week
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A message from Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear & Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas
On Sept. 30, Iniskim – the University of Lethbridge – will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to honour the many children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. As a campus community our work towards meaningful reconciliation starts with each and everyone.
To continue “in a good way” as our Elders have taught us, we must continue to hold ourselves and others accountable to this process, and to commit to being a part of the solution. In 2023, ULethbridge launched the Iniskim Truth and Reconciliation Challenge to our campus community. This challenge marks an important milestone as an institution to acknowledge and address the wrongs that have been perpetuated by post-secondary institutions and our ongoing commitment to be a responsible steward upon the Blackfoot Confederacy territory.
Early in 2025, we will launch our new comprehensive strategic plan. The priority to have Indigenous knowledge, cultures, traditions and worldviews interwoven into the comprehensive strategic plan, as well as other institutional plans, is paramount in ensuring that the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives is done so in a holistic manner.
Later this week, the University will make an important announcement that remove barriers and increases access to post-secondary education for Indigenous students. We are excited for what this means for Indigenous students and communities today and in the future.
As we reflect on this past year, our response to the 94 Calls to Action can be seen in many ways across the University community. To highlight just a few recent initiatives: the importance of placemaking can be seen in the mural that has been created in the Faculty of Education by alumna, Nato’yi’kina’soyi (Holy Light that Shines Bright) Dr. Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12, PhD ’24). Dr. Heavy Shield is the first Blackfoot woman to receive a PhD from Iniskim. Additionally, five vinyl OKI greetings have been installed throughout Turcotte Hall. Designed by Isskotaahyii (Returns Home) Danielle Viel with audio recordings voiced by kii Nitsikainaakii (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-BruisedHead (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10 ), the symbols on each letter of the OKI sign represent different aspects of Indigenous education and history within the Faculty of Education.
Bearing a commitment to further the work being done to advance reconciliation and Indigenization, the Faculty of Fine Arts was gifted a Blackfoot name – Piiksinaasin – which means Manifesting Beauty. The name reflects the Faculty’s long-standing support of Indigenous arts and creative initiatives and exemplifies the work done to advance reconciliation and decolonization. The Faculty of Fine Arts Signature Events and Performance Series will launch in October with the first Mainstage production of the 2024/25 season, alterNatives. Written by Indigenous playwright Drew Hayden Taylor and directed by alum Marshall Vielle (BFA - Dramatic Arts '17), this play offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be Indigenous in today's modern world, exploring the complexities of identity, relationships and cultural intersections within a group of friends.
2024 is also the 10th anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty Signing. The Buffalo Treaty was first signed on Sept. 24, 2014, at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana by eight First Nations/Tribes. Today, over 50 Nations/Tribes, supporters and partners have signed on, including ULethbridge – which was the first post-secondary institution to sign the treaty. Later this week, we will re-sign the Buffalo Treaty on behalf of Iniskim.
Although we will shine a spotlight on truth and reconciliation this week, meaningful reconciliation is a priority at Iniskim each and every day. A special thanks to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services and their collaborative campus partners for putting on a full schedule of events for our university community to learn more about meaning and intent on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We hope you will make the time to participate.
For the week of Sept. 23-30, we encourage all to wear orange in honour of the thousands of Survivors of residential schools. The Bookstore is selling orange t-shirts both in-store and online. A portion of sales will be donated to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives.
For this Truth and Reconciliation week, let us listen to learn and seek to understand as we continue to walk together in a good way on our journey towards reconciliation.
Sincerely,
Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations
Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, OC, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC
President & Vice-Chancellor
Learn More
How to deliver on the Calls to Action
The Pope’s apology to Canada does not go too far
Truth and Reconciliation: Kevin Lamoureux
A beginner’s guide to Decolonization: Kevin Lamoureaux
Sen Murray Sinclair: How can Canadians work towards reconciliation
Reconciliation is dead: Lori Campbell
Resources
If you are a former residential school survivor in distress, or have been affected by the residential school system and need help, you can contact the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Get Involved
Schedule of events: September 23-30, 2024
Blessings with Sweetgrass over the Coals
10:30 to 11 a.m. | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Opening TRC week in a good way, join Elder Francis First Charger for a blessing to mark the beginning of TRC week.
Treaty 7 Acknowledgement
11 a.m to noon | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join Elder In-Residence Shirlee Crow Shoe for a presentation on Treaty 7. Light refreshments will be provided. *Treaty 7 Day is September 22*
Face Painting and Prayers
1 to 3 p.m. | Elders Ceremonial Room, A430
Join Elders In-Residence Cathy Hunt and Francis First Charger in the ceremonial room for face painting and prayers. Everyone welcome, dress code in effect. Contact the Elder Coordinator, Santanita Oka at sant.oka@uleth.ca for questions regarding protocols and dress code.
Iniskim, Return of the Buffalo
6 to 8 p.m. | Science Commons, SA7008 (reception) and SA8002 (film screening)
The International Buffalo Relations film screening: Iniskim, Return of the Buffalo. Join us for an evening of film, food, puppets, dancing, and drumming. Reception begins at 6 pm, with a light meal provided. Film Screening begins at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please be advised: Buffalo Treaty Signing delegates visit Iniskim
2024 is the 10th anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty Signing. The Blood Tribe along with the Motokiiksi (Buffalo Women's Society) and the International Buffalo Relations Institute are holding a gathering on September 22-25 on the Blood Reserve to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty and the renewal of their relationship with their relatives, the Buffalo, also known as Bison, Iinnii, Tatanga, Tatanka, Paskwâwimostos, Xaniti, Qwisp, Kamquq̓ukuǂ ʔiyamu, Iyanee’, heneeceeno', ésevone, Mushkode Bizhikim, Q’weyqway, Hii3einoon, Boyzhan. As part of the anniversary celebrations, attendees will be at Iniskim, the ULethbridge campus, Monday evening for this event.
Sticker & Button Making
10 a.m. to noon | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join Agility along with Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a drop-in sticker and button making event. The focus is on positive messages for TRC week.
Orange Shirt Beading
noon to 4 p.m. | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a beading event. Drop in event, everyone welcome, limited beading kits available.
Artisans Market
1 to 4 p.m. | University Hall Atrium, WH610
Highlighting the creativity of Indigenous Artists while supporting entrepreneurs on our Campus! Artisans will be on hand from the community to display and sell handcrafted goods, traditional artwork, and cultural creations in various forms.
Orange Shirt Painting on Uwall
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.| Uwall – White rock on the hill from University Hall
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for a drop-in event at Uwall, the ULSU rock on the hill. Drop in to paint an orange shirt or positive messages on the rock. All supplies provided, everyone welcome.
Reconciliation BBQ
Noon | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join the Iikaisskini Indigenous Services team in partnership with the Faculty of Health Sciences for the 1st Annual Reconciliation BBQ, limited space, and quantities available to the first 250 people.
Artisans Market
1 to 4 p.m. | UHall Atrium
Highlighting the creativity of Indigenous Artists while supporting entrepreneurs on our Campus! Artisans will be on hand from the community to display and sell handcrafted goods, traditional artwork and cultural creations in various forms.
Buffalo Treaty Gathering
President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas and Vice-Provost Iniskim Indigenous Relations Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04) will attend the Buffalo Treaty Gathering at Red Crow College and resign the Buffalo Treaty on behalf of Iniskim.
The Buffalo Treaty was first signed on September 24, 2014, at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana by eight First Nations/Tribes. Today, over 50 Nations/Tribes, supporters and partners have signed, including ULethbridge – which was the first post-secondary institution to sign the treaty, and more are joining. For more information about the Buffalo Treaty, please visit: buffalotreaty.com/treaty or vimeo.com/user123783706
IMPORTANT: This event will be hosted at the Red Crow Park Arbor and not at the University of Lethbridge. To learn more about this particular event, visit the International Buffalo Relations Institute.
Indigenization and Intercultural Collaboration in Municipal and Postsecondary Contexts
Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
The Prentice Institute along with the Department of Modern Languages and Iikaisskini Indigenous Services presents a panel discussion: Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars and policymakers examine the opportunities and challenges of Indigenization and decolonization and discuss the possibilities for integrating Indigenous methodologies, epistemologies, and ontologies into institutions that carry the legacies of colonial structures. Everyone welcome, light refreshments provided.
Orange Shirt Day Group Photo
2 p.m. | Science Commons Atrium
In commemoration of Orange Shirt Day, we ask you to wear your orange shirt and join us for an institutional photo.
*The bookstore is selling orange t-shirts both in-store and online. A portion of the sales will be donated to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
University of Lethbridge closed
In order to provide space and time for reflection, there will be no classes and University offices will be closed on Sept. 30. The University’s decision to observe this day is consistent with the University’s commitment to Indigenization, and specifically the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Today, and every day, take some time to learn and reflect on how each of us, as individuals, will address and answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. We all have a role to play in proactively learning Canada's history and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day marks an important part of Canada’s history, but also a pivotal part of its future. Observed on September 30 each year, it marks the day that Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed into residential school. It was a day to honour the students who didn’t return home.
Orange Shirt Day recognizes an important moment in history and will help determine our journey ahead toward reconciliation. It is a day for healing and remembering; and a day to listen, learn and honour the survivors and the ones who did not make it home.
Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 and was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, from the Canoe Creek Indian Band in British Columbia who attended the St. Joseph's Mission residential school, after sharing her story in an awareness campaign. Phyllis' emotional story begins with her first day attending residential school at six years old. She remembers the new orange shirt her grandmother bought her, which was abruptly taken and permanently replaced with a school uniform. Her story highlights loss and assimilation while in residential school and provides the symbolism of resiliency and reaffirmation of importance through the "Every Child Matters" orange t-shirt movement today.
The first step to honouring is acknowledging our past. We need to listen to the stories from our Indigenous knowledge keepers, learn and educate ourselves, and open spaces for conversations to support each other through this emotional time.
Truth and reconciliation starts with truth and leads to intentional meaningful action. Learn about our Indigenous communities. Talk about Indigenous history at home, at school and at work. Help build supportive, inclusive, and equitable spaces where everyone feels they belong. Volunteer and donate to initiatives that elevate the voices of our Indigenous communities. Call out racism and injustices when you see it occurring.
The most important part of the process is understanding that you will make mistakes. What truly matters is apologizing authentically and making every effort to learn and unlearn, as you do your part to move towards reconciliation and healing.
**A portion of sales will be donated to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives.
Make a donation to the Iikaisskini Student Initiatives Fund, which supports programming for Indigenous ULethbridge students. Give now
Get Support
By honouring Indigenous residential school survivors, their families, and communities on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, some individuals may experience a series of reactions, including renewed trauma, grief, and anger. There are resources available through the University, and within the community for students and employees to access support.
The following supports are available for Indigenous students and staff:
- ULethbridge Counselling Department, as an important mental health resource for our students. Santanita Oka, Indigenous Mental Health Outreach Worker, is available for support in Iikaisskini Indigenous Services.
- NIHB AB Region’s telephone, which provides free counselling for all Status Indigenous Peoples: 1-800-232-7301.
- IRS RHSP AB Region’s telephone: 1-888-495-6588. This is a great resource for anyone wishing to access mental health support for anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the Indian Residential School system.
**Non-insured health benefits will cover the cost for counselling.
Other community resources include:
Employees can access support through the University’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) managed by Homewood Health. For more information on recovery and coping strategies for dealing with a traumatic event, Homewood Health has put together some suggestions that can be found here. By contacting EFAP, employees can access confidential counselling services, and can be matched to a counsellor with expertise in Indigenous culture and/or the residential school system.
For those wishing to access support through a more culturally traditional support, and wish to engage with Elders or Knowledge Keepers, they can contact Homewood Health with a self-identified Elder or Knowledge Keeper of their choosing. Homewood Health will provide the employee with an agreement to be completed and signed so that Homewood can arrange for an honorarium to be provided to that Elder or Knowledge Keeper in recognition of the support and wisdom provided.
For more information, or to book a counselling session, Homewood Health can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning 1-800-663-1142. All calls are completely confidential.