September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples across Canada recognize and remember the harmful legacy of residential schools, and honour victims, survivors, their families and affected communities.
During the week of Sept. 23, Niagara College will be hosting 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 special screening of the documentary – “The Nature of Healing” – on Sept. 26, which features the spoken truth of seven Survivors of Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running Indian residential school.
Corn Husk Doll Teachings
Sept. 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Indigenous Education is honoured to have Elizabeth Doxtater from Six Nations lead a talk on the significance of the Corn Husk Doll.
The talk will be hosted on zoom and is open to the entire college community. Register now.
Corn Husk Doll Making Workshop
Sept. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Following the Corn Husk Doll teaching, Elizabeth Doxtater will lead a Corn Husk Doll making workshop at the Welland Campus. Doxtater is the owner of Everything Cornhusk and NC is honoured to share space and the chance to learn more about how cornhusk is used to celebrate stories and remind everyone of the rich cultural teachings that come from working with corn husk.
Registration is open to all, but priority will be given to Indigenous students.
Spaces are limited. Register now.
“The Nature of Healing” Screening
Sept. 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Students and employees are invited to a screening of the documentary – “The Nature of Healing” on Sept. 26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in room N018 at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
An important film to watch to better understand the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, The Nature of Healing is the spoken truth of seven courageous people who survived the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running “Indian” residential school. From victim to survivor, to activist, this is a story of resistance, resilience and a healing path. Join us for a moderated discussion following the film with voices featured in the film. Light refreshments will be provided.
Following the screening of the documentary, Samah Sabra, Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility will moderate a panel including some of the Survivors of the Mohawk Institute featured in the documentary.
The screening will be open to all college employees, students, alumni and community members. Registration is required; spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Register now.
Flag half-masting
Sept. 30
The “Every Child Matters” flag will be lowered to half-mast at both campuses to honour the children who never made it home from residential schools, as well as survivors and their families.
NC Button
Sept. 30
The NC Button will be illuminated orange to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at both NC campuses.
Orange shirt sales
The NC community is encouraged to show their support by wearing an orange shirt on Sept. 26 and Sept. 30 on campus or out in the community on Sept. 30.
“Every Child Matters” t-shirts are available for purchase at NC’s Bookstores. Shirt sale proceeds (100%) will be donated to Indigenous Educational charities. Visit the websites to view the shirt and learn about the design: Daniel J. Patterson Campus Bookstore and Welland Campus Bookstore.
4 Seasons of Reconciliation
Indigenous Education is pleased to announce the extension of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation to the NC community.
Four Seasons of Reconciliation is a unique three-hour online course that promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation.
Stay tuned for more information on how to access the course.
Community Events
Indigenous Education is promoting community events:
Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre: Stay tuned for more information about community events.
Niagara Regional Native Centre: Stay tuned for more information about community events.
Town of Pelham flag-raising and events: The Town of Pelham is hosting a ceremony on Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. at Pelham Town Hall (20 Pelham Town Square) where the “Every Child Matters” flag will be raised and will host a variety of events and activities throughout the day. Visit the Town of Pelham website for more information.
City of Niagara Falls flag-raising: A flag-raising and lowering ceremony will be held at the Rosberg Flag Poles at Niagara Falls City Hall on Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. Attendants are encouraged to wear their orange shirts. Visit the City of Niagara Falls website for full details.
City of St. Catharines flag-raising: The city of St. Catharines is hosting a ceremony on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. City of St.Catharines (City Hall). Visit the City of St. Catharines website for more information.
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake flag-raising: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is hosting a ceremony on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Town Administration Building. Visit the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake website.
City of Thorold events: On Sept.14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Thorold is hosting a variety of events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the City of Thorold 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. 23-27. Register here.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: On Sept. 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., the CCDI is hosting a webinar – “Pathways towards truth and reconciliation – Panel conversation.” 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 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.
