Throughout September, 91ÑÇÉ« will offer events and resources to support learning about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and their ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples and communities.
This year, the 91ÑÇÉ« community is invited to participate in a special Heart Garden that asks them to reflect on how reconciliation informs their learning, teaching, research, professional practice, daily work or personal lives.
Community members can share their reflections by writing them down on a paper heart at select in-person events and tabling locations at 91ÑÇɫ’s three campuses on Sept. 28.
A digital submission option is also available through 91ÑÇɫ’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website. These reflections will become part of a Heart Garden installation at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig on Sept. 30.
Community members are also encouraged to centre the experiences of residential school survivors and engage in reconciliation by:
- wearing an orange shirt, a symbol that raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and affirms that Every Child Matters;
- exploring reports, films, podcasts and other resources available through the University’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website; and
- attending one of the events being offered throughout the month, including the University’s Sept. 30 commemorative gathering.
Film screenings
From Sept. 21 to 24, the University will host screenings of The Knowing by award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga. The four-part documentary series follows Talaga's search for answers about her family history while exploring the enduring effects of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous families and communities. Viewers should be aware that the series includes content that may be distressing for survivors and their families.
One of four episodes will screen daily at 2:30 p.m. in 91ÑÇÉ« Lanes, Room 301A, in the following order: The Knowing; Stolen Children; Lost, Found and Lost Again; and The End is the Beginning.
is required, as space is limited.
Heart Garden community reflections
On Sept. 28, community members can visit Heart Garden reflection tables from noon to 3 p.m. at Vari Hall (Keele Campus), the Welcome Desk (Glendon Campus) and the West Atrium (Markham Campus).
Participants will be invited to respond to the reflection question and add their thoughts to the Heart Garden. Reflections will be incorporated into the Sept. 30 installation at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig.
Indigenous community gathering
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Indigenous community members are invited to gather on a drop-in basis, at Skennen’kó:wa Gamig from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect through informal conversation and shared time together. Medicines, beading materials and refreshments will be provided. This event is open to those who self-identify as Indigenous.
Commemorative event
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 91ÑÇÉ« community members are invited to attend the University’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorative event in person or online. Advance and bringing YUCards is encouraged.
Beginning at 10 a.m.in the Helliwell Centre at the Keele Campus, the event will be livestreamed, with in-person viewing locations available at MK2050 on the Markham Campus and the Theatre at the Glendon Campus. A panel discussion will respond to this year’s Heart Garden reflection question and reflect on themes from The Knowing, highlighting reconciliation in action within the 91ÑÇÉ« community.
Following the event, in-person participants will be invited to Skennen’kó:wa Gamig for light refreshments and an opportunity to engage with the Heart Garden installation.
For additional information and resources, visit the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website.