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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, classes cancelled Sept. 29

12 Sep 2023
Every year, the University embarks on a week of reflection around Truth and Reconciliation leading up to Sept. 30.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, classes will be cancelled on Friday, Sept. 29. The University will remain open to give students, faculty, staff, and community members the opportunity to educate themselves and reflect in an authentic way. 

We encourage supervisors and employees to make scheduling arrangements as needed to allow for event participation. 

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on Sept. 30. The day commemorates the Indigenous children who never returned home, as well as the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. The Every Child Matters flag will be raised on campus Monday, Sept. 25 and lowered to half mast on Saturday, Sept. 30 to honour the survivors and the lives lost in residential schools. 

Upcoming events

Monday, Sept. 25 – Friday, Sept. 29

Webinar screenings courtesy of National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will run daily 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Topics include:

  • Day 1, Sept. 25 | WMSC 288: Indigenous peoples and the History of Residential Schools
  • Day 2, Sept. 26 | WMSC 288: Unconscious bias and debunking stereotypes
  • Day 3, Sept. 27 | WMSC 288: Intergenerational impacts and ongoing systemic discrimination
  • Day 4, Sept. 28 | WMSC 125: Indigenous peoples’ rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • Day 5, Sept. 29 | WMSC 125: Taking action toward Reconciliation


Or join in person for a screening and conversation, register by emailing hr@mta.ca

Wednesday, Sept. 27 

  • Screening of Bones of Crows
    Crabtree Auditorium | 6–8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28  

  • CCDI webinar viewing and conversation, Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities
    Dunn 101 | 2 p.m. 
    Register by emailing hr@mta.ca.
     
  • Talk by Elder in Residence, William Nevin
    Crabtree Auditorium | 6 p.m. 

Friday, Sept. 29

  • Screening of Bones of Crows (2nd viewing)
    Crabtree Auditorium | 1–3 p.m.
     
  • Sweat Lodge Ceremony
    Indigenous Ceremonial Space, 76 York St. (behind Colville House) | 1–3 p.m.
    Register by Monday, Sept. 25 by emailing Kaia Knockwood at kjknockwood@mta.ca

For the most up-to-date events and dates, visit mta.ca/indigenous

Saturday, Sept. 30

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day*
    The day commemorates the Indigenous children who never returned home, as well as the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

    *Orange shirts and hats will be sold at the Bookstore during the last week of September.

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