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.
More details about community events are available from the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council.
Truth & Reconciliation @ BU 2023
Campus Activities & Gatherings
Conversations Around the Fire – Sept 26
BU Teachings House will host Conversations Around the Fire on Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m, at the Ceremonial Fire Pit in the Kavanagh Courtyard. Join local Knowledge Keeper Susie McPherson-Derendy as we reflect on the legacy of residential schools and mark the change of season. More information can be found at BrandonU.ca/Indigenous/Gatherings/Teaching-House-BU.
Free Movie: Bones of Crows – Sept 26 and 28
The Indigenous Peoples’ Centre is presenting free screenings of the movie Bones of Crows on Tuesday and Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. Bones and Crows is a story told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears as she survives Canada’s residential school system to continue her family’s generational fight in the face of systemic starvation, racism and sexual abuse. Free concessions will be provided, and seating is on a first-come-first-served basis.
Valley of the Birdtail: Lunch and Learn Book Club – Sept 28
BU CARES’ NourishED Talks will present Valley of the Birdtail: Lunch and Learn Book Club on Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Valley of the Birdtail looks at the communities of Rossburn and Waywayseecappo, how they became separate and unequal, and what it means for the rest of us. Registration is available at Eventbrite.ca/e/nourished-talks-igniting-conversations-on-education-tickets-701136286507.
What’s Love Got to Do with It: Artist Talk and Performance – Sept. 28 and 30
Members of the School of Music and the Faculty of Arts are collaborating on What’s Love Got to Do with It, an evening performance on truth, reconciliation, the power of words and all that we have in common. Featuring the songs and stop-motion videos of Christine Fellows, as well as a performance art karaoke collaboration by artists Peter Morin and Jimmie Kilpatrick, the event will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m., in the Kinsmen Rehearsal Hall (Room 1-20 of the School of Music Building). More information on the performance can be found at Events.BrandonU.ca. The IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art will also present an Artist Talk by Morin and Kilpatrick at the Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art on Thursday at 7 p.m.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept. 30
Brandon University will be closed on Friday in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday. However, community events will be held throughout the week, including Friday and Saturday. More details on community events, including the Orange Shirt Day walk on Saturday, is available from Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council.
Orange Shirt Day Display – Sept 25 – 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 25 – 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. 25 – 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.
Bobcats Athletics – Sept. 25 – 30
The BU Bobcats are debuting a new video, voiced by student-athlete Faith Clearsky and featuring reflections from Knowledge Keepers Barb Blind and Susie McPherson-Derendy on our collective reconciliation efforts. The video will be available on social media and the Bobcats’ YouTube page. The Bobcats will also wear orange shirts during warmups for their weekend games.
Bailey’s Cafe – Sept. 26 – 28
Bailey’s Cafe will have daily Indigenous specials, including a Bison Bannock Burger, Three Sisters Soup, Beef Stew, Cornbread with Maple Butter, and Bannock and Berries.
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 5, 2023, 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.
