I am writing to share our plans for September 30, 2021, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In recognition of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, this is a day for public reflection and a day to create space for grief, healing and education in commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools. September 30 coincides with Orange Shirt Day, an important day of remembrance for Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.
MacEwan University will remain open on September 30. As an institution of higher learning, we have a responsibility to bring awareness to our campus of the history of Indigenous people in Canada and to create opportunity for dialogue with Indigenous communities.
We are working with our community to create programming to encourage and support reflection in the lead up to, and on, this important day. We have sought advice from Indigenous leaders on this direction to ensure that we are proceeding in a thoughtful and respectful way. In partnership with Indigenous organizations and other Edmonton post-secondary institutions, opportunities will be created for students, faculty and staff to support and learn from one another in circles and ceremony, and through music and conversation.
While the university will remain open for this day of reflection and shared learning, we will support faculty, staff and students who may wish to spend time with their own community. Faculty are encouraged to consider this when scheduling class activities to accommodate their students’ desire to participate in on- or off-campus events as we observe the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This year will be emotionally difficult for many and, in particular, for Indigenous people. I recognize the impact the continued discoveries of unmarked graves on sites of former residential schools have on our community. Providing wellness supports is critical during this time. Resources and services are available to MacEwan University community members:
- Traditional Indigenous counselling services through the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre.
- Students can access services at Wellness and Psychological Services.
- Employees seeking counselling should access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- National support services are available to survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students. The 24-hour line can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.
You will hear more details in the coming days on programming leading up to and on the day of September 30. We will continue to talk with the academy, and with the Indigenous Advisory Council, other Indigenous leaders, survivors of residential schools and Elders, as the university determines our longer-term plans in the spirit of reconciliation.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor
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