Article from Issue #49 (September 7, 2022)
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2022
by University of Waterloo
Source: University of Waterloo
September 30, 2022 marks the 2nd annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
On this day we honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Widespread public commemoration and acknowledgement of the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school legacy is a vital component of the reconciliation process. The University of Waterloo and the Office of Indigenous Relations continue to amplify that truth as we build towards reconciliation. We will also highlight the beauty and resilience of indigeneity, and the strengthening of bonds with allies as we navigate this complex and meaningful day.
Canadian History and the Indian Residential School System
Campus Events September 2022
The Office of Indigenous Relations and a number of partners are hosting events and providing learning opportunities for the University of Waterloo campus community to share in learning and commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
Sept. 14: Mohawk Institute Residential School Virtual Tour
Follow guide, Lorrie Gallant, as she gives a tour of the former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. During the video Lorrie provides the history of the institution over its 140 year history. Viewers will get to see the different rooms in the school, from the girls’ and boys’ dormitories, the cafeteria, laundry room, and other rooms throughout the building, as well as hear interviews from five Survivors of the Mohawk Institute.
To learn more and to register, please visit:
https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/events/mohawk-institute-residential-school-virtual-tour.
Sept. 22: University of Waterloo Indigenous Commitment Ceremony
On September 22, 2022, the Indigenous peoples of the University of Waterloo will ask Vivek Goel, President and vice-chancellor, for a full commitment to reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization at the institution.
The ceremony will commence with a Sunrise Ceremony at 7:00 a.m. at the Ceremonial Fire Grounds at United College. A Cedar Circle is scheduled to start,, later that same day, at 10:30 a.m. at B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) green, which will be immediately followed by a Pipe Ceremony and a traditional feast. The entire University community is welcome to attend and observe all of the ceremonies.
To register for this event, please visit:
https://www.ticketfi.com/event/4733/indigenous-commitment-ceremony
Sept. 23: You Don't Know What You Don't Know Pt.1
This is a two-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis relations with settlers. As the title indicates, you don't know, what you don't know so everyone is welcome. You will be introduced to the concept of Miskasowin (wholistic self-evaluation) that will define content, context, and relationship promoting further action, accountability, and responsibilities as a treaty person in this land now known as Canada. This is an online, 3-hour workshop, in a small-group setting.
Availability is limited. To Learn more and to register, please visit:
https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/events/you-dont-know-what-you-dont-know-part-1-0
Sept 24: Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre 19th Annual Traditional Pow-wow
Please join us at Waterloo Park for this celebration of Indigenous culture and beauty. Witness the good medicine of dancing, drumming and singing, visit the vendors, and participate in an intertribal dance! Grounds open at 10:00 AM with Grand Entry at 12:00 PM!
All are welcome!
To find out more, please visit https://fb.me/e/1LhEHVlY3
Sept 26: Indigenous Speakers Series presents Jani Lauzon and Kaitlyn Riordan
The Indigenous Speakers Series proudly presents Jani Lauzon, director and playwright, and Kaitlyn Riordan, playwright, whose co-created play 1939 is running at the Stratford Festival this season.
Lauzon and Riordan will speak to their unique process of engaging community and support from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, with a lens to the work of Indigenous artists and activists over the last 100 years, used to develop 1939.
For more information on 1939 please visit the Stratford Festival website - https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysandEvents/Production/1939
For Indigenous students, staff, and faculty of the University of Waterloo, specially priced tickets and transportation is offered by the Stratford Festival and the Faculty of Arts, to find out how to access these tickets please email indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca
To learn more, please visit:
https://uwaterloo.ca/arts/events/indigenous-speakers-series-presents-jani-lauzon-and-kaitlyn
Sept 27: Beaders and Readers
Thank you to Dr. Talena Atfield for hosting Beaders and Readers, the last Tuesday of every month. This month, on Tuesday September 27, 6pm-9pm come spend some time in HH117 for beading, reading discussions and laughs!
For more info, please email indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca.
Sept 28: For Indigenous student only - matinee + transportation:1939 at the Stratford Festival
The matinee showing of 1939 will include a section of seats held at a special price for Indigenous students of the University of Waterloo. Please email indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca to inquire about tickets and transportation.
For more information, please visit the Stratford Festival website:
https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysandEvents/Production/1939
Sept. 29: Indigenous Reading Group featuring Kaandossiwin: How we Come to Know by Dr. Kathleen Absolon
2pm-3:30pm - To join the Indigenous Reading Group book club meeting please contact Sara Anderson at sara.anderson@uwaterloo.ca or Leslie Wexler at leslie.wexler@uwaterloo.ca and they will send you the meeting link, or answer any questions you may have about the September meeting.
Sept 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations,The University of Waterloo Walk for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for the university campus community to connect, participate and learn about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
The sunrise ceremony, opening ceremony and remarks and feast will take place on the BMH Green.
For more information please email indigenousrelations@uwaterloo.ca.
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