Kwe’
On Wednesday, the King’s community will join people across Canada to observe the sixth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to acknowledge the dark history of the residential school system, its painful legacy and the enduring trauma for so many Indigenous families and communities. On this day we come together to grieve alongside the survivors, for those who never made it home, and their families.
In 2021, the federal government established September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was born out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. It is only one of the actions, but vital to the process of reconciliation. In honour of this important day, and with profound respect, King’s is closed and no classes are held.
It is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the lived experience of Indigenous people and the legacy of that experience. It is about listening and seeing the past, and working our way forward, to bear witness and own our history, however difficult. We encourage all to honour the day by attending local activities that commemorate the occasion or by simply reading, watching, learning, and most importantly listening to Indigenous voices. It is those voices that are the pathway to understanding and healing for all of us.
On Wednesday in the Quad, the Every Child Matters flag will be the only flag on the main flagstaff, where it will fly all night. On Thursday, to honour Treaty Day, we will fly the Mi’kmaw Grand Council flag on the main flagstaff. The Every Child Matters flag will move to the library flagpole for the month of October in honour of Mi’kmaw History Month.
Since campus will be closed on Wednesday, we invite everyone to wear an orange shirt on campus tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29. If you don’t have one, Emily Pictou-Roberts will be selling orange t-shirts by Prince Hall today from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and tomorrow from 9 to 11 a.m.
However you choose to participate in reconciliation on September 30, please—above all—show support for the many in our community who are grieving on this day. Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator Emily Pictou-Roberts is available to provide resources and support, along with Director of Equity and Community Supports Karen Mutyabule, Sexual Health and Safety Officer Maggie Ombayo, and Student Support Advisor Isaac Wright.
You can find a list of other events in our community on King’s Reconciliation Resources. We hope you will join us in this day of reflection, honour and respect for the Indigenous community.
Wela’lioq,
Tim Vine
President and Vice-Chancellor
Emily Pictou-Roberts
Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator
Karen Mutyabule
Director of Equity and Community Supports
