Truth & Reconciliation Week
About the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
“In June 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to make September 30 a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve for those who were lost.” (Gov’t of MB, 2021)
Brandon University is pleased to be partnering alongside local community groups, organizations and members in creating and supporting opportunities to gather, listen and learn on September 30 and throughout the week.
For more details about community events, contact Michelle Bessette in the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre at bessettem@brandonu.ca.
Truth & Reconciliation @ BU 2022
Campus Activities & Gatherings
Guest Speaker: Tony Stevenson – Sept 26
Stevenson, who spent 10 years at the Qu’Appelle Indian Residential School, was later recruited to work with two law firms on residential school compensation. He was a recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work on abuse awareness and was recognized by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and Abex Awards for his role in developing a First Nationals work program with Conexus Credit Union.
Organized by the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre, Stevenson’s talk will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, from 9 — 11:30 a.m., in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library, as well as on Zoom.
Orange Shirt Wall – Sept 26 – 30
The IPC will host an Orange Shirt Wall. A table will be set up outside the IPC and Library with paper cutouts of orange shirts. You are invited to write your thoughts on a shirt to encourage education, growth and change. The table will be set up on Monday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Downloadable paper t-shirt templates are also available in the Orange Shirt Activity Guide, so that you can print your own shirt and post it in your area.
Orange Shirt Day Display – Sept 26 – 30
BU’s John E. Robbins Library honours Phyllis’ story by inviting the community to learn more about Canada’s Residential School system through its curated collection of books and resources. Scroll down for direct links!
Wear Orange – Sept 26 – 30
Every Child Matters – Orange Shirts available for purchase on campus and in the community. Proceeds from these vendors will support Indigenous initiatives:
Survivors’ Flag – Sept. 26 – 30
The Survivors’ Flag will fly in front of Brandon University. More information on the Survivors’ Flag and the symbolism represented on the flag can be found at NCTR.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag. Additionally, tipis will be set up on the front lawn.
Bobcats Athletics – Sept. 30
The BU Bobcats are working on a video marking Orange Shirt Day, and will also be wearing orange shirts for practices and game warmups on Friday, Sept. 30. This includes the men’s volleyball team, which is hosting a tournament at the Healthy Living Centre.
Braid Symbol – Email Signature
Faculty and staff are encouraged to incorporate the braid symbol from Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin, the BU Strategic Plan, in their email signatures. The use of the braid in the Strategic Plan was inspired by Indigenous peoples and represents being stronger and more resilient together.
Connect with BU colleagues at Community Events
BU’s Diversity & Human Rights Office invites you to reach out if you would like to connect with others from across campus at various community events.
Contact Cheryl at flemingc@brandonu.ca.
Educator & Community Resources
LibGuides, Virtual Displays and more!
The BU John E. Robbins Library offers a collection of books and resources that raise awareness about Canada’s Residential School system. Learn more about resources available to you or for in the classroom by viewing the virtual displays below.
Orange Shirt Day Books
Indigenous Curriculum Collection
Research Connection & Indigenous Authors/Researchers Book Display
BU’s Centre for Aboriginal & Rural Education Studies invites visitors to borrow from their hosted collection of books. Contact Michelle Lam at cares@brandonu.ca for more details.
Pulling Together Manitoba Foundations Guide
Beginning on October 7, 2022, BU faculty and staff are invited to take part in a six-week, guided exploration of the Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide. Each week, individuals will read through the sections of the guide and engage in related activities at their own pace, then come together as a group for broader reflection and discussion in the form of learning circles. Individuals will be invited to seek out experiences or opportunities related to the learning within their own context following the program and to come back together in a few months to share actions, experiences and outcomes.
