Truth and Reconciliation

Learning the truth about the effects of colonization and the residential school system and engaging in reconciliation is a shared responsibility.  As a place of higher learning, we have an obligation to educate on this tragic reality of Canada’s history and to work toward addressing the ongoing colonial legacy of residential schools.

This page is a starting point for those interested in learning more and actively engaging in Truth and Reconciliation Week, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Truth and Reconciliation Week - September 23-27, 2024

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) established Truth and Reconciliation Week and encourages us to continue the conversations about Every Child Matters and the residential school system while honouring Survivors and their families. The NCTR offers free virtual and hybrid educational programs for teachers and students (grades 1-12 ).

To commemorate the week, U of G will be raising the Survivors' Flag in front of the University Centre and at Champions Corner, lighting Johnston Hall in orange and lowering the flags on September 23.

Orange Shirt Day | Every Child Matters - September 30

Started in 2013, in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School commemoration and reunion events. Phyllis Webstad shared the memory of her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, that was taken from her on her first day at the school.

The St. Joseph Mission Residential School, which was open from 1891-1981, was one of 130 residential schools in Canada. Now the day honours the Survivors, those who didn't make it and the families that have been impacted by residential schools.

The Orange Shirt Society encourages and supports the commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

Orange shirts are currently on sale at the U of G Bookstore. 

Indigenous Initiatives, the Indigenous Student Centre and the Bookstore have collaborated to bring a unique orange shirt to campus in acknowledgement of Orange Shirt Day. $5 from the sale of each shirt will be donated to the Survivor Secretariat, an organization that organizes and supports efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute during its 140+ years of operation. 

The design was created by Kaitlin Gallant, Indigenous graphic designer, illustrator and beadwork artist.

In honour of Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned home, the shirt depicts a Forget-Me-Not flower surrounded by Sage and Sweetgrass. Sweetgrass braids remind us of our strength when we come together, and sage supports our healing.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was created in 2021 as a federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action # 80 which called for a day of commemoration.

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The day serves to honour the Survivors of residential school and the children who never returned home, as well as their families and communities.

To learn more about the progress on the Calls to Action visit Indigenous Watchdog’s website or read Calls to Action Accountability: A 2023 Status Update on Reconciliation, a special report from the Yellowhead Institute.

Ways to Get Involved

Monday, September 23  - Friday, September 27; Daily from 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 Public Lunch and Learns
Join the NCTR for a series of virtual lunch and learn sessions throughout Truth and Reconciliation Week to facilitate learning for Canadians on topics related to Truth and Reconciliation. These sessions will feature a range of speakers and will provide audience members with the opportunity to ask questions and engage in further conversations. Learn more and register here.


Monday September 23 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM; The Arboretum
Forest Learning from Elder Duke Redbird: Seven Canopy Teaching walk with Cara Loft
Walk through the Mtigwaaki Trail  with Cara Loft, the Education Developer, Indigenous Knowledges and Pedagogies in the Office of Teaching and Learning. Join her for a short guided walk to reconnect our spirits with the Land and learn from the Plants. Meet at the Hales-McKay shelter by the parking lot.

 

Monday, September 23  - Friday, September 27 ; Daily from 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT
Connecting – Resilience – Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation (CRITR) Online Discussion Group
Join the "Connecting – Resilience – Indigenous Truth & Reconciliation" Online Discussion Group from September 23-27, daily at 3:00-4:00 pm. Each session will feature readings from the CRITR Workbook, followed by a guided discussion. All levels of familiarity are welcome in this safe and inclusive space. Participation is free, and you can join us online. If you would like, you may purchase your own copy of the workbook here. Sessions will be led by Dr. Sara Stricker from the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. Register here.

 

Tuesday, September 24; 11 am - 12 pm | University Centre 430
Mawadisidiwag | They Visit Each Other
Reconciliation is all about relationships. This ‘tea and talk’ session is an opportunity to share, explore and learn together. Participants are invited to bring forward topics and questions to ignite conversations. This session will be hosted by Cara Wehkamp, AVP (Indigenous Initiatives) and is open to all students, staff and faculty at the University of Guelph.

 

Tuesday, September 24; 7 pm | McLaughlin Library White Law Room
Gryphons Read 2024
The 2024 Gryphons Read featured book is And Then She Fell, by Alicia Elliott. Alicia is a Mohawk writer and editor living in Brantford, Ontario, and is already well known for her far-reaching voice and contributions as a contemporary Indigenous thinker. Come meet the author, in conversation with Carrianne Leung, on Tuesday September 24, at 7PM in the McLaughlin Library Whitelaw Room. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided. Find out more and how to register here.

 

Monday, September 30; 9 am - 4 pm | Indigenous Student Centre
Drop-In Support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Students
Join the Indigenous Student Centre community for support and a place to relax 

 

Monday, September 30; 9:40 am | Maada'oonidiwag (Coming together) in the Art Gallery of Guelph Sculpture Park
Walk for Reconciliation
Come together at Maada'oonidiwag and walk to Branion Plaza. The sculpture is located on the lawn north of the Art Gallery of Guelph building. Individuals are encouraged to join us along the route - crossing at College Avenue and Gordon Street, across Johnston Green, along the Library and down Winegard Walk to Branion Plaza to arrive for the Reflections at 10 am. 


Monday, September 30; 10 - 10:30 am | Branion Plaza
Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation
Gather with the campus community to honour survivors, the children who never returned home and their families and communities. Hear words of truth from the experiences of survivors and reflections on reconciliation. Those unable to attend are encouraged to take a moment for personal reflection throughout their day. 


In Guelph

Monday, September 30; 7:00 - 8:15 PM | Guelph Museums
Roots to Reconciliation: Songs and Stories with Rene Meshake.
Join Guelph Museums for an evening of songs and stories with Rene Meshake, an Anishinaabe Elder, author, storyteller, visual and performing artist. A residential school survivor, Rene will lead us on a reflective journey with his Pipigwan (flute), drums, and storytelling. His body of artwork, stories, and flute improvisations create a strong, expressive, presentation that resonates with an ever-increasing audience.

Ongoing

National Truth & Reconciliation Week 2024 : Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews
Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews is a collection curated by the University of Guelph Library. A physical display of the collection can be found in the first floor of the library.


Mtigwaaki Trail in the U of G Arboretum
Reflect as you take a walk on the Mtigwaaki Trail to engage with the land and learn from interpretive signs that explore the understanding of the forest from an Anishinabek perspective and call us to act on how we can better treat Mother Earth.
 

Special Hospitality Menu
Enjoy a special menu curated by U of G Chefs featuring Indigenous ingredients and recipes at Mom's Kitchen and Nature's Best.
UC Chef's Hall - Friday, September 27; 11 AM to 7 PM
Creelman  - Monday, October 30th; 11 AM to 2:30PM and 4:30 PM to 7 PM

Planning an event?

We encourage campus partners to plan events and actions aimed at raising awareness and educating on the ongoing legacy of colonization and the effects of the residential school system. Due to the sensitive nature of the topics surrounding residential schools, please give thought to the following considerations. Events can be added to this list by emailing the details to indigenous@uoguelph.ca.

  • Recognize that the day will be difficult for many Indigenous peoples
    • For example, orange shirts are worn as an act of solidarity however when seen repeatedly they can also become overwhelming
  • Plan ahead as this is a busy time which puts a strain on resources and be considerate of the timing of local Indigenous led events
  • Uplift and respect Indigenous voices while not placing undue burden on First Nations, Inuit and Métis students, staff, faculty and community members
    • It is important to not expect the Indigenous community to assume the work of reconciliation
    • Indigenous peoples may be involved with planning events and actions within their own communities
    • There is an abundance of diverse resources available in print, video and audio formats such as those shared on the Legacy of Hope of Foundation’s website or in the CBC Short Doc, Inendi
    • If you do invite Indigenous knowledge holders and community members, be sure to inform yourself about protocols to be followed, which are specific to different cultural groups and communities
  • Determine the wellness and support needs required during the planning, the event and afterwards
    • Prioritize the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors and their families, students, staff and faculty
    • Remember accessibility
    • Consider what services are already available and whether they need to be enhanced to respond to a potential increased need
    • Locate quiet and private space that can be used for support
  • Recognize individuals’ different comfort levels with identifying as someone impacted by residential school, sharing their and their families' experiences, speaking publicly and engaging in person or online and respect their boundaries
  • Be mindful to not uphold a deficit perspective of Indigenous peoples or centre the perpetrators of colonial harms

 

Support for Indigenous Students, Staff and Faculty

Indigenous Student Centre

Indigenous Student Advisor
Ally Stoett is available for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. Email indigenous.student@uoguelph.ca to connect

Drop In Support for Indigenous Students
Drop in on September 30 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Indigenous Student Centre in the Federal Building at 620 Gordon Street.

Student Counselling Services

Call 519-824-4120 ext. 53244 to book an appointment

Student Support Network

Find more information at wellness.uoguelph.ca/ssn

Good2Talk

Call 1-866-925-5454 or text “UofG” to 686868

Here 24/7

Call 1-844-437-3247 for crisis services

Guard Me Student Support Program for International Students

Connect at wellness.uoguelph.ca/GuardMe

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Call 1-800-663-1142. 

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line

24-hour crisis support for Survivors and their families, call 1-866-925-4419

Hope for Wellness

For immediate emotional support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, call 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca

Learn More

U of G’s Commitments

Learn more about U of G's commitments to reconciliation, indigenization and decolonization in Bi-Naagwad | It Comes Into View, U of G's Indigenous Initiatives Strategy.