September 30 is the 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.

Throughout the month of September, Niagara College is encouraging students and employees to deepen their understanding of Truth and Reconciliation through educational resources and events.

Please join NC in recognizing this important day by engaging with the following learning opportunities:

Orange Shirt Day

The NC community is encouraged to show their support by wearing an orange shirt to campus on September 30.

“Every Child Matters” t-shirts are available for purchase at NC’s Bookstore. Shirt sale proceeds (100%) will be donated to Indigenous Educational charities. Visit the website to view the shirt and learn about the design: Welland Campus Bookstore.

Flag half-masting and NC Button

On 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. The NC Button at both campuses will also be illuminated orange.

Learning resources

The Nature of Healing

• This documentary shares the spoken truth of seven courageous people who survived the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest running “Indian” Residential School.
• Students and employees can view this documentary through the NC Libraries and Learning Commons website.

Ally Is a Verb: a guide to Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples

• This insightful book suggests how to enter the field of Reconciliation in a good way, in your community and your workplace.
• Students and employees can access this book through the NC Libraries and Learning Commons website.

NC’s Library and Learning Commons Indigenous Education Sources guide

• The Indigenous Education Sources guide serves as a starting point for researching and learning on topics including Truth and Reconciliation, Treaties, and Days of Significance (e.g. Orange Shirt Day) for employees and students.
• The Indigenous Education sources page can be found here.

Community events

Mohawk Institute unveiling

On Sept. 30, the Woodland Cultural Centre will officially unveil the former Mohawk Institute Residential School as an Interpretive Historic Site. Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre website for more details.

Support is available

As we reflect on Truth and Reconciliation, we recognize this may be a particularly difficult time for Indigenous students and staff. Please know that your NC community stands with you, and resources are available to provide support.

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.

Student supports are also available through Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services, including NC’s Indigenous Counsellor, who is available to support students’ mental wellness needs.

Employees are encouraged to access the Employee and Family Assistance Program.