Dr. Vianne Timmons

There are often stories in the media to remind us of the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion — stories that remind us that these aren’t just lofty goals or words on paper.

In May we learned of the discovery of the remains of 215 children on the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia.

Earlier this month 751 unmarked graves were found on Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Tragically, we will likely hear more stories like these in the months and years to come.

To show our respect and to honour them, Memorial’s flags are flying at half-mast and will remain displayed at half-mast until sunset on July 1. They will not be raised at noon in recognition of Canada Day, as they normally are.

Now, more than ever, we must embrace the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which are calls to action for every Canadian citizen, not just governments or institutions.

Senator Murray Sinclair was talking to all Canadians when he said, “We have described for you a mountain. We have shown you the way to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”

As president of Memorial, I am committed to climbing that mountain, to advancing reconciliation, which is why I was so pleased to name Catharyn Andersen as our university’s first vice-president (Indigenous) recently.

In fact, this is just the second vice-president (Indigenous) position at a Canadian university.

As Catharyn said in the announcement, “This is a pivotal time for this country with regards to truth-telling and reconciliation. This is hard work, but it is also where change can happen, and that’s exciting.”

I’m looking forward to working with Catharyn as we move forward with truth-telling, decolonization and Indigenizing the academy for all students, faculty and staff.

We took an important step in demonstrating Memorial University's commitment to respecting and honouring Indigenous culture and heritage last month when we raised the Mi'kmaq Grand Council flag at Grenfell Campus, where it will fly permanently.

As president of Memorial and a woman of Mi’kmaw descent, it was a powerful moment.

I urge all members of our community to deepen their understanding of these issues and to support Indigenous Peoples.

'World I want to live in'

Also in the news this month we heard how Pride flags were removed from two local schools and that one flag was burned.

This is a reminder that no matter how far we’ve come, we still have a way to go to ensure true equality.

It’s a small thing, but I’ll be proudly wearing rainbow colours during Pride Week in July, in support of my son who is gay and all members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

My son has faced discrimination throughout this life, yet despite this he is a kind, caring man. He and his partner have adopted two beautiful baby girls.

They will grow up in a home knowing they are loved, respected and supported. This is the world I want to live in.

I always say you should surround yourself with people who lift you up.

But you must also lift up others, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or any of the other things that make us who we are: individuals who are each valuable members of our society.