Message from President Kennedy: Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As we prepare to mark the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Niagara College continues to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
This important day serves to recognize and reflect on the tragic history of residential schools in Canada. It’s a day to honour the children who never returned home, as well as survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day – an Indigenous-led grassroots movement that raises awareness of the impacts of residential schools, and that ‘every child matters.’ This is a day when we wear our support ‘on our sleeves’ as we don our orange shirts, signifying the culture, freedom and self-esteem that was taken away from Indigenous children over generations.
While our College has been a long-time supporter of Orange Shirt Day, we were fortunate to get a head-start this year with a special visit from Orange Shirt Day Founder and Ambassador Phyllis Webstad, a third-generation residential school survivor. Phyllis visited our Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake on September 22 and delivered her powerful message to our College community.
Staff and students stood side by side, clad in orange as a show of support, to hear Phyllis, her family members and others speak about the devastating impacts that residential schools had on their lives and on their communities.
It was an impactful and truly unforgettable experience.
I strongly encourage those who were not able to attend to watch the video recording of Phyllis’ speech, which was captured by a small team of students from our Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film program (sent via Campus Notice email).
During Phyllis’ visit, we were proud to announce our new Dr. Phyllis Webstad Indigenous Scholarship at NC which will help more Indigenous students achieve their dreams. Beginning fall 2023, four students will receive a scholarship every year, and we strive to grow this scholarship until it becomes available to every Indigenous student entering NC.
Earlier this year, we introduced NC’s new strategic plan, which commits to working in partnership with students and Indigenous partners, and to actively respond to and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
While we have made important strides, there is a long way to go on our journey towards reconciliation, and education is key.
Only truth will lead us to reconciliation. We all share a responsibility to learn about residential schools, so learn more and get involved whenever you can – on campus and in our communities.
Let’s open our minds and our hearts on September 30 and beyond. By shedding light on the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, we can strive for a brighter future.
Learn more
There are events happening throughout Niagara featuring Phyllis Webstad’s Beyond the Orange Shirt Story. View Facebook: Beyond the Orange Shirt Story–Niagara Falls 2022 for event details.
Read about Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Day movement at orangeshirtday.org. The site also features a list of official orange shirt suppliers which help to support Indigenous communities.
Resources to enhance your learning journey about First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples across Canada are also available via a Government of Canada website dedicated to Indigenous arts, culture and heritage.
Visit the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s site and read its final report detailing 94 calls to action.
On September 30, the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) will partner with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada to amplify Indigenous voices through A Day to Listen 2022. Visit downiewenjack.ca/a-day-to-listen/ for details.
Support for Indigenous students and employees
As we discuss truth and reconciliation, this can be a particularly difficult time for Indigenous students, faculty and staff. Know that your college community supports you and that there are resources in place to assist.
Resources and supports are available on the HWAS Indigenous Mental Health Resources website for students who are experiencing the impact of trauma inflicted by the residential school system that is affecting their ability to participate fully in their courses or programs.
The Employee and Family Assistance Program offers supports for employees through Human Resources (staff can call Homewood Health 24/7).
View Sept. 23, 2022: Orange Shirt Day Founder leaves legacy with College visit
