Recognizing Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we stand in solidarity with the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples of Canada to honour the survivors of the Indian residential school system and to mourn the children who lost their lives during this shameful part of Canada’s history.

As members of a university community committed to reconciliation and decolonization, we must all, each of us, take the time to educate ourselves about the devastating history and impact of residential schools. 

Equally, we must all work to understand and acknowledge the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect the well-being and success of Indigenous members of our community – students, staff and faculty – in their academic pursuits and personal lives.

Together, let us strive to understand that in order for reconciliation to happen, truth must be told and Indigenous voices and perspectives must be heard and respected. Yes, reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. But it also stands to benefit us all.

On September 30, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment to reconciliation by wearing an orange shirt. 

In addition, we invite each and every one of you to participate in the Orange Shirt Day panel discussion featuring Indigenous Concordians speaking about how the residential school experience has influenced who they are today. The event will include a moment of silence at 2:15 p.m.

To learn more about the day’s activities and to register for the panel discussion, please visit www.concordia.ca/orangeshirtday.
 
We believe these are meaningful first steps that we can all take to demonstrate our solidarity. But the work of reconciliation is not about marking a single day. Please also reflect on how you intend to further advance the work of reconciliation beginning on 1 October and each day thereafter. 

Sincerely,