September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people across Canada to recognize and remember the harmful legacy of residential schools and honour the children who never returned home, Survivors, their families and affected communities.
This month, NC will launch its new Indigenous Education Strategy, a college-wide roadmap for advancing Reconciliation and Indigenization at Niagara College. The strategy will help empower all areas of NC to walk alongside one another on this journey.
Throughout September, employees and students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Truth and Reconciliation through learning opportunities, resources and events.
Here are some ways the NC community can learn, reflect and take part:
Wear orange on September 30
The NC community is encouraged to wear an orange shirt to campus on Sept. 30 in recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the message that Every Child Matters.
“Every Child Matters” T-shirts are available for purchase through the NC Bookstore. One hundred per cent of shirt sale proceeds will be donated to Indigenous educational charities.
Honouring Survivors and those who never came home
On Sept. 30, the Every Child Matters flag at both NC campuses will be lowered to half-mast and the NC Button at both campuses will also be illuminated orange to honour the children who never made it home from residential schools, as well as Survivors and their families.
Community Events
The City of Niagara Falls is hosting a flag raising and lowering ceremony and will illuminate the Falls orange on Sept. 30. Visit the city’s website for more information.
Explore opportunities to learn
There are many opportunities throughout September for the NC community to learn more about residential schools, Truth and Reconciliation and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learns
Throughout September, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will host various webinars which invite participants to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada. These sessions are open to the public and are free to attend. For a list of webinars, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s website.
NC Libraries and Learning Centres:
- The Nature of Healing: This documentary shares the stories of seven courageous Survivors of the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s first and longest-running Indian Residential School.
- Ally Is a Verb: A Guide to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: This book offers practical insight into entering the work of Reconciliation in a good way, both in the community and workplace.
- The Indigenous Education Sources guide is a starting point for students and employees looking to learn about topics including Truth and Reconciliation, Treaties and Days of Significance such as Orange Shirt Day.
- During the week of Sept. 28, the NC Libraries and Learning Centres at both campuses will feature dedicated Truth and Reconciliation displays, with curated print books and eBooks and other resources connected to this important day.
Putting learning into action
A group of NC employees have put their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation into action by raising funds in support of the Mohawk Village Memorial Park, a new memorial park being created to honour students who attended the former Mohawk Institute Residential School.
Read the InsideNC story about the NC team’s fundraising efforts.
Support is available
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the weeks surrounding it can be particularly difficult for Indigenous students and employees. NC recognizes the importance of providing space for reflection, support and care.
Residential School Survivor supports, including the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419, are available through the Indigenous Education website.
Students can also access support through Student Health and Counselling Services, including NC’s Indigenous Counsellor.
Employees can access support through the Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Truth and Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. This September, the NC community is encouraged to take time to learn, listen, reflect and consider how we can each contribute to Reconciliation in meaningful ways.
