Dear King’s community,
On Monday, September 30, King’s and people across the country will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day is to recognize and honour the survivors of residential schools, the children who died and those who cannot speak to the traumas experienced. You will see many orange shirts on this day, but it goes deeper. It is an incredibly difficult and complicated day for so many and I ask you to use this day, and every day, to offer grace and support to those who need it.
In 2021, September 30 was established in response to one of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The commission urged the government to establish a day to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools—a vital component of the reconciliation process that will only be effective if we all take this opportunity to participate.
On September 30, the Every Child Matters flag will be the only flag on the main flagstaff at King’s, where it will fly all night. On Tuesday, 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.
At a recent Mawaknutma’tnej meeting, the Indigenous Circle at King’s, an invitation was extended to everyone at King’s to attend Mi’kmaw-organized events throughout Kjipuktuk to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 and Treaty Day on October 1. Indigenous Support and Outreach Coordinator Emily Pictou-Roberts, BA(Hons)’20, and Assistant Professor Trina Roache have organized outings for a group of Mi’kmaw/Indigenous students in the Foundations of Journalism class. You can find details about these events on posters displayed in the Arts & Administration building. On behalf of the King’s community, wela’lioq to Emily and Trina for organizing these outings and for all they do as circle members and community leaders who help create positive change at King’s.
For those who cannot attend upcoming events or are looking for additional ways to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I urge you to take time to listen to and learn from Indigenous voices. You’ll find a list of Reconciliation Resources on the King’s website.
Wela’lioq,
William Lahey
President and Vice-Chancellor
