Ontario Tech University to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
September 22, 2022
On Friday, September 30, Ontario Tech University will observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day as a day of recognition, remembrance and respect for survivors of residential schools, and a day to learn about the lasting impacts residential schools have had on Indigenous communities.
In 2021, responding to calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to further reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous peoples, the Government of Canada passed legislation to designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which was founded in 2013 by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad as a grassroots effort to raise awareness of the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. Ontario Tech also recognized Webstad with an honorary degree at Convocation this June.
Indigenous Education and Cultural Services and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day Committee at Ontario Tech provide resources, initiatives and programming to engage the campus community in learning and calls to action to advance Canada's Truth and Reconciliation process. Learn more about events and workshops held throughout the year.
September events schedule and how to get involved:
- The Indian Act presentation with Elder Dorothy Taylor – Tuesday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to noon.
- Strawberry Ceremony – Demonstration by Elder Dorothy Taylor on Tuesday, September 27 at noon.
- Mohawk Institute Residential School virtual tour– Learn about the history of the institution over its 140-year existence and listen to interviews from five of the school's survivors on Monday, September 26 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Registration required.
- Project of Heart workshop –Wednesday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to noon (staff session) and Thursday, September 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. (student session).
- Button making in support of Truth and Reconciliation – Held daily from Monday, September 26 to Thursday, September 29 at the north Oshawa and downtown Oshawa campus locations.
- Peter Henderson Bryce: A Man of Conscience Exhibit – Monday, September 26 to Friday, September 30 at the Campus Library.
- Purchase an Orange Shirt Day T-shirt
- Self-directed learning resources
Quote:
“The Ontario Tech community remains committed to prioritizing reconciliation through relationship-building, addressing systemic barriers facing all Indigenous Peoples, and working toward implementing the calls to action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report. By facing the difficult truths of residential schools and actively promoting ways to increase awareness and understanding related to Indigenous Peoples and their histories, together we take steps toward healing and positive change.”
-Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University
About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
