September 30 will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
The entire Niagara College community is encouraged to participate by taking time to mourn the losses and honour the survivors of residential schools.
Please view the updated information below regarding two events to be held on September 30, hosted by Indigenous Education.
Honouring the Children
When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (drop in anytime during this period)
Where: The Indigenous Garden at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake
This will be an open event that will allow members of the NC community the opportunity to drop by the garden, pay their respects, and reflect on the children who were forced from their communities to attend residential schools.
Elder Dave Labbe (NC alumnus) will light a fire, offer medicines, and guide the College community through this time of reflection.
Masks must be worn at all times while in attendance.
Virtual Circle Discussion: Truth Before Reconciliation
When: Starting at 2 p.m. (60 to 90 minutes)
Where: Join via Zoom (link will be shared by Campus Notice email).
Everyone is welcome to join Indigenous Education, along with Gary Parker of the Seneca Nation and survivor Sharon Slippery, in a virtual circle to learn and listen to the stories told from survivors and those impacted by residential schools in Canada.
Before we can celebrate reconciliation, we must sit and understand the truth of the profound effects that residential schools continue to have on Indigenous communities. In the circle, we will address the forced assimilation of Indigenous children and the effects of intergenerational trauma, as well as honour the strength of our survivors.
Registration will no longer be required for this event. Please join via Zoom at 2 p.m.
About Virtual Circle Guest Speaker Sharon Slippery
Shannon Slippery will speak at the Virtual Circle Discussion on Sept. 30 about her experience as a third-generation residential school attendee.
Guest speaker Sharon Slippery grew up in Saskatchewan. She is registered to the Yellowquill First Nation but lived between Saskatoon and Kawacatoose First Nation, where she graduated from high school. She attended Gordon Indian Residential School, located on George Gordon First Nation, near Punnichy, SK; and the Muskowekwan Indian Residential School, located on Muskowekwan First Nation, near Lestock, SK.
She is a third-generation residential school attendee. Both of her parents, one of her grandfathers, and a significant number of her aunts, uncles and cousins attended residential schools.
Slippery worked for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation for 10 years, the Assembly of First Nations, and as a liaison for the Personal Education Credit initiative, a component of the Common Experience Payment process. She also volunteered on the advisory board for the Legacy of Hope’s Escaping Residential Schools Exhibit.
