I am writing to encourage everyone to make September 30, the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of learning and action. 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 opportunities for dialogue with Indigenous communities.
Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our faculty members are encouraged to be mindful of the day and consider ways in which they can embrace the programming being offered. Our faculty members have also been offering online sessions – a Q&A for faculty and staff and a look at the legacy of residential schools. I would encourage you to watch the recordings of these sessions.
On September 29, kihêw waciston will host an evening of music and healing with prominent Indigenous artists. On September 30, the centre will hold a fire ceremony and offer a range of community-building activities throughout the day. Elders will be available and everyone is welcome. See all of the details here.
While the university will remain open on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we will support faculty, staff and students who may wish to spend time with their own community. We also know that the reflection that will happen on this day will be emotional and difficult for many people, and we encourage our community members to use the many resources and services available at MacEwan, including:
- Traditional Indigenous counselling services through the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre.
- Services for students at Wellness and Psychological Services.
- Counselling for employees through the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- National support services for survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. The 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 provides support for former residential school students.
I am looking forward to this opportunity for our community to learn, reflect and connect.
Dr. Annette Trimbee
President and Vice-Chancellor
Originally circulated by GlobalMail on September 28
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