USask events planned for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) 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
- wear orange during the week of September 30 to honour Survivors of residential schools and those who never returned home.
- attend events, either virtually or in-person throughout the week of September 30.
- learn more about Indigenous history through self-guided learning resources.
Attend 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.
Sept. 27, 2022
Division of Social Accountability is hosting a book club to discuss Bob Joseph's 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Book club is open to all students, faculty and staff in the College of Medicine.
Take the opportunity to read a blog post from Carlyn Seguin, Global Health Manager in the Division of Social Accountability, as she shares some of the work from Community Health and Epidemilogy’s Reconciliation Committee.
Sept. 29, 2022
Join the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (CH&E) Reconciliation Committee as they host a screening of the film, We Were Children. Following the film, there will be an opportunity for audience discussion and reflection. Join in-person in Room 1130, E-Wing, Health Sciences Building or online via Zoom.
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 previously compiled a list of self-learning resources to explore:
Orange Shirt Day
Truth and Reconciliation
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Short Videos
- Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline
- Namwayut: we are all one. Truth and reconciliation in Canada (CBC)
- I was taken from my home and raised as a “nice Jewish girl,” but I’m Indigenous | Becoming Nakuset
- TEDxUniversityofWinnipeg: Truth and Reconciliation | Kevin Lamoureux
- TEDxVancouver: Canadian Shame: A History of Residential Schools | Ginger Gosnell-Myers
Documentaries
- CBCs 12 Documentaries on Indigenous Life in Canada
- Stories from the Land
- Highway of Tears (Rental is $2)
Other resources
- Strong Nations: Gifts, books, and publishing
- Kanata Trade Company
- In support of Indspire: Indigenous Education, Canadian future & Indigenous artists