USask events planned for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The University of Saskatchewan community is observing September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to commemorate the impact of residential schools in Canada.

Coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, the now federal statutory holiday is intended to be a day of reflection, learning, remembrance, and action as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, which states:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.  

Ways to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation include:

  • wearing orange during the week of September 30 to honour Survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home.
  • attending events, either virtually or in-person throughout the week of September 30.
  • learning more about Indigenous history through self-guided learning resources.


Attending virtual or in-person events

College of Medicine departments, groups and members have organized or are participating in a number of events during the week of September 30.

Residents in the Department of Pediatrics will be holding their own events to reflect on how colonialism may be impacting Indigenous patients, the role systemic racism plays in Canadian healthcare and (re)familiarizing themselves with the Calls to Action to enact them in current and future practices. 

Calls to Action: Opportunities and Challenges for Health Care | Monday, Sept. 27
9:00 am (CST), online Registration required

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) is hosting a webinar on Sept. 27. Drs. Alexandra King (MD), Alika Lafontaine (MD), Carrie Bourassa (PhD), and Elder Harvey Thunderchild will be speaking at the webinar.

See all events taking place at USask


Resources for self-guided learning

There are many self-guided resources available to learn about Indigenous histories, and the origins of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Residents in the Department of Pediatrics compiled a list of self-learning resources to explore:

Orange Shirt Day

Truth and Reconciliation

Short Videos

Documentaries

Other resources