September 2022: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Oct 5th, 2022

My father was ashamed of his Mi’kmaw heritage and small wonder.

The opening sentence of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission summary report is this:

“For over a century, the central goals of Canada’s Aboriginal policy were to eliminate Aboriginal governments; ignore Aboriginal rights; terminate the Treaties; and, through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist as distinct legal, social, cultural, religious, and racial entities in Canada.”

Why would my father have been proud?

The federal government was trying to obliterate him and all Indigenous Peoples in Canada, to cause them to “cease to exist.”

It was planned, cultural genocide.

This is something every Canadian must come to terms with and begin to address.

We need to embrace the truth-telling piece of truth and reconciliation.

We must face our ugly history and work together on the long road to reconciliation.

Taking the time to learn the history and legacy of colonialism in the province and country is an important step in our collective efforts.

Orange Shirt Day

Memorial is recognizing Orange Shirt Day today, and activities throughout the week have encouraged participation and reflection at numerous locations across our St. John’s campus with resources about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

People were also encouraged to write down what they can do to further reconciliation or to ask questions.

Today, smudging ceremonies have been happening every hour from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

And at 2:30 p.m. there will be a presentation in the Bruneau Centre, site of the last smudge, followed by a walk to Juniper House, a resource centre and home away from home for Indigenous students.

There, participants will have the opportunity to tie orange ribbons to the fence and trees on the front lawn — a symbol of solidarity with those who survived residential schools and an act of remembrance for the many who never made it home.

Other campuses are recognizing in their own way.

Grenfell Campus is doing a flag raising with a women’s drumming group; the Marine Institute is hosting a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation information booth in the lobby today; and our newest campus in Labrador is welcoming Elder Dr. Jean Crane for a special luncheon and blessing of the campus.

Reflect and learn

It’s important that we understand and reflect on why Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation were created.

I encourage everyone to take some time to reflect, do some reading, learn more about Indigenous Peoples and challenge assumptions that might just not be true. 

I am proud of my Mi’kmaw heritage.

I’d like to think that today, with the road we’re on, my dad would be, too.