This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
On September 30, the University of Lethbridge (Iniskim) will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Over the past year, Canada has taken some major steps forward on the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. One such step was a historic visit to Vatican City and Pope Francis coming to Canada and addressing the “catastrophic effects of residential school policies” through his formal apology to the survivors and families who lost their loved ones in these institutions.
Reconciliation cannot be successful without first looking at the harsh truths of the residential school system — as painful as that may be — for it is a necessary part of the journey to authentic reconciliation, and eventual healing. We cannot ignore the multi-generational effects of the residential school system that continue to resonate within Indigenous communities.
Although this marks a key move towards reconciliation, we must acknowledge that it is only one of many that must occur. The University of Lethbridge (Iniskim) is located on Blackfoot territory, and it is our duty to continue intent to make Indigenization a priority of our campus, its programs and policies. 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. This comes by acknowledging and addressing the wrongs that have been perpetuated by post-secondary institutions throughout our country over many years, by teaching the truths of our country’s dark history, and moving forward by rebuilding and revitalizing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Our commitment is to do the hard work to make tangible, meaningful change now and for future generations. By launching the Iniskim Governance Process, we will provide a guide to ensure this work is conducted through a collaborative approach embedded in inclusion, relationship-building and balance. The Iniskim Governance Process’s advisory circles will be guided by the Awahksaataaksi Council, which will be grounded in Blackfoot values and ways of knowing. This is one example of how we will begin to put in motion our commitment to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action.
This week, as we journey towards Truth and Reconciliation Day, I encourage everyone to take some time to read and understand the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as the UNDRIP declaration from the United Nations. As you read, try and identify one goal towards which you want to work. While that one goal may seem like a small step forward, done collectively it will lead to so much more.
A special thanks to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services and their collaborative 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.
Please visit this link for the week’s activities.
For the week of September 26-30, 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 the sales will be donated to Iikaisskini for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives. Thanks to the Orange Shirt Society and Phyllis Webstad for their support of this initiative.
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.
Learn More
How to deliver on the Calls to Action
Statement on the 5th Anniversary of the Report
The Pope’s apology to Canada does not go too far
Truth and Reconciliation: Kevin Lamoureu
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.
Mike Mahon, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Contact:
Mike Mahon | president@uleth.ca