This week, Niagara College hosted on-campus events and initiatives in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), 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.
On Sept. 27, the College raised the “Every Child Matters” flag for the first time at the Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Flags will stay raised until Sept. 30.
Several learning opportunities and activities for students, staff and faculty were also hosted to acknowledge and support the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Indigenous Education hosted open houses at the IE Centres at both campuses. The events were an opportunity for colleagues and students to get to know staff from the department and to familiarize themselves with the College’s dedicated Indigenous spaces.
A selection of cuisine from a local Indigenous caterer including wild rice, buffalo meatballs, fry bread, scones and strawberry juice, was also on offer for visitors to enjoy.
Following the open houses, Karl Dockstader, NC’s Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant, presented a talk – “Returning the Corn Husk Doll” – where he shared his grandmother’s story, addressing key themes about reconciliation.
Karl Dockstader, NC’s Indigenous Education Cultural Consultant, shares his grandmother’s story at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus on Sept. 27.
Please read the InsideNC story on the speaking event here
Health, Wellness & Accessibility Services (HWAS) organized two activities at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus that created powerful visuals on campus.
“Wings of Hope” provided an opportunity for students and employees to add messages of love and affirmation to a striking orange feather vigil displayed in the library. The vigil will be on display until Oct. 10 to help promote awareness of the impact of the residential school system.
A second HWAS activity, “Rocks of Remembrance,” also provided an opportunity for the NC community to display their support and honour residential school victims, survivors, and their families.
Over two days, many students and employees painted rocks with messages of hope and allyship outside of the HWAS office. Rocks will be displayed until Oct. 10 along the footed pathway that leads to Taylor Rd.
Two pork-themed pop-ups from the School of Culinary Arts raised funds for the Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship. Over two days, $1,200 was raised to support Indigenous students at NC.
“Every Child Matters” t-shirts were sold on-campus at NC’s Bookstores with proceeds going to the Orange Shirt Society and the Education Program of the First Nation of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. The College was also pleased to welcome the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre (FENFC) to its campuses to sell orange shirts and other items. Proceeds went to the Orange Shirt Society and the FENFC Community Pantry.
Resources
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: 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.
