September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada recognize and commemorate the harmful legacy of residential schools, and honour victims, survivors, their families and affected communities.
During the week of Sept. 25, Niagara College will be hosting several on-campus events and initiatives, including opportunities for students, faculty and staff to take an active role in the Truth and Reconciliation process through education.
A highlight of the week will be a speaker event – “Returning the Corn Husk Doll” – on Sept. 27 with Karl Dockstader, NC’s Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant, who is an intergenerational residential school survivor.
Indigenous Education open houses
On Sept. 27 from 1 to 2 p.m., NC Indigenous Education is inviting all students and employees to drop by the on-campus IE Centres.
The open house events are an opportunity for colleagues and students to get to know staff from the department and to familiarize themselves with the IE Centres – located in room N003 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake and in room L201 at the Welland Campus – which provide a culturally-safe space for Indigenous students at both campuses.
There will be complimentary light fare and strawberry juice on offer from a local Indigenous caterer.
“Returning the Corn Husk Doll” speaker event
Following the Indigenous Education open houses, students and employees are invited to a speaker event on Sept. 27 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with NC’s Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant Karl Dockstader, who will share his family’s story of the corn husk doll.
Dockstader’s story will address key themes about reconciliation including strength, resilience, the power of Indigenous languages, and the role that educational institutes can play in sharing the truth and working towards reconciliation.
Registration is not required. The hybrid event will take place in room N018 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (seating is first come, first served) and will be livestreamed via Zoom for those joining online. Note: A Zoom link will be shared via Campus Notice email (and portals) prior to the event. Students and employees at the Welland Campus are welcome to watch the livestream from the Indigenous Education Centre (room L201).
Flag raising
For the first time, the “Every Child Matters” flag will be raised on-campus to honour the children who never made it home from residential schools, as well as survivors and their families.
The College will raise the flag at both campuses on the morning on Sept. 27. The flags will stay raised until Sept. 30.
Culinary pop-ups
The School of Culinary Arts will be donating the proceeds from two culinary pop-ups this month to the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship at NC.
The pop ups – featuring a pork menu and vegetarian options – will take place on Sept. 27 and 28 at Benchmark (Daniel J. Patterson Campus) starting at 11:30 a.m.
Webstad is the founder of the Orange Shirt Society and a survivor from the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. The Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship was initiated by NC’s Indigenous Education department as a tribute to Webstad’s momentous visit to the College in 2022 and her important work through the Orange Shirt movement, known as Orange Shirt Day, which is also recognized on Sept. 30.
HWAS initiatives
NC’s Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services (HWAS) will be coordinating two activities on-campus for Orange Shirt Day.
Wings of Hope Vigil
Starting on Sept. 22, students and employees are invited to write a message of love and affirmation on a paper orange feather, which will be added to a vigil displayed in the library at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus. The goal is to create “Wings of Hope” and promote awareness of the impact of the residential school system. Paper feathers will be available for people to write on in the library by the display and in the HWAS office.
Rocks of Remembrance – Community Art Activity
On Sept. 27 and 28, the NC community is invited to paint rocks with messages of hope and allyship. The activity will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. outside of HWAS at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus (W102). Painted rocks will be displayed until October 10 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus along the footed pathway that leads out to Taylor Rd. near the main entrance.
Orange shirt sales
The NC community is encouraged to show their support by wearing an orange shirt on Sept. 27 on campus or out in the community on Sept. 30.
Click image to view larger poster from the FENFC
“Every Child Matters” t-shirts are available for purchase at NC’s Bookstores. Shirts are $19.95 (+ tax) with proceeds going to the Orange Shirt Society (50% of proceeds) and the Education Program of the First Nation of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (50% of proceeds). Visit the websites to view the shirt and learn about the design: Daniel J. Patterson Campus Bookstore and Welland Campus Bookstore
The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC) is also selling shirts and other items. Students and staff who would like to buy a shirt from FENFC contact Jessica Durand (905-871-8931 ext. 233 or [email protected]) for ordering and payment. If you are unable to pick up your order, please communicate to Jessica Durand that you are from Niagara College and indicate which campus you work from. Indigenous Education will pick up your order and have it available for pick up at the corresponding IE Centre (DJP N003; Welland L201).
Community events
Indigenous Education is promoting community events:
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre’s 3rd Annual Unity Walk: The Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre is hosting a community walk on Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. For details, including the starting location/route, visit the FENFC’s Facebook page, which also includes information on other events happening the week of Sept. 25.
Town of Pelham flag-raising: The Town of Pelham is hosting a ceremony on Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. at Pelham Town Hall (20 Pelham Town Square) where the “Every Child Matters” flag will be raised.
City of Welland walk: The City of Welland is hosting a walk on Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. at Market Square in recognition of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the City of Welland website for more information.
City of Niagara Falls flag-raising: The City of Niagara Falls will raise the “Every Child Matters” flag and lower it to half-staff on Sept. 30 to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. All are welcome to participate. The observance will commence at 11 a.m. across the street from City Hall. Visit the City of Niagara Falls website for full details.
Resources and Learning Opportunities
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering free virtual lunch and learns every day from Sept. 25-29. Register here.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: On Sept. 28 from 1 to 2 p.m., the CCDI is hosting a webinar – “Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities.” The webinar is available to NC employees at no cost. Register here.
Maamwi Hub: The Maamwi Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of staff and students on the diverse Indigenous histories, cultures, and current Indigenous worldviews.
ncLibraries: View Indigenous Education resources through ncLibraries.
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre: The FENFC produced a docuseries highlighting Indigenous history in Niagara.
Support is available
As we discuss truth and reconciliation, this can be a particularly difficult time for Indigenous students, faculty and staff. Know that your college community supports you and that there are resources in place to assist.
A list of residential school survivor supports is available on the Indigenous Education website, including the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
Niagara College student supports are also available through Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services, including from NC’s Indigenous Counsellor, who is available to support students’ mental wellness needs.
Staff and faculty are encouraged to access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
