Truth & Reconciliation Week
About the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
“In June 2021, the House of Commons unanimously passed legislation to make September 30 a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve for those who were lost.” (Gov’t of MB, 2021)
Brandon University is pleased to be partnering alongside local community groups, organizations and members in creating and supporting opportunities to gather, listen and learn on September 30 and throughout the week.
More details about community events are available from the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council.
Truth & Reconciliation @ BU 2024
Campus Activities & Gatherings
Survivors’ Flag | Sept. 27 – Oct. 04
The Survivors’ Flag will fly in front of Brandon University. More information on the Survivors’ Flag and the symbolism represented on the flag can be found at NCTR.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag.
Beading Babes Craft Sale| Beaded Orange Shirt Pins| Sept. 27
IPC’s Beading Babes will be selling beaded orange shirt pins in honour of Truth & Reconciliation week from 12:00 pm until sold out. They will be located outside of IPC.
Orange Shirt Activity | “Every Child Matters because…” | Sept. 23 – Oct. 04
Starting September 23, join IPC in honouring Truth & Reconciliation week and complete your own orange shirt by sharing why Every Child Matters to you! A table will be located outside of IPC.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Sept. 30
Brandon University will be closed on Monday in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday. However, community events will be held throughout the week. More details on community events, including the Orange Shirt Day walk on Monday, is available from Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council.
Wear Orange | Sept. 30 – Oct. 04
Every Child Matters – Orange Shirts available for purchase on campus and in the community. Proceeds from these vendors will support Indigenous initiatives:
Bailey’s Cafe | Oct. 01 – 04
In honour of Truth & Reconciliation week, Bailey’s cafe will have a Bison stew and bannock meal available on their menu. In addition, bannock and berries desserts will be available in their grab and go cooler.
‘Owl Calling’ staged reading | Oct. 3
The call of an owl becomes an omen for Eddie, a former residential school student, in a new play by BU professors Darrell Racine and Dale Lakevold. But what kind of omen will it be for a man who has just opened up about his residential school experience? A staged reading will take place at 7 p.m., at the Evans Theatre.
‘ayîkisis’ catalogue launch | Oct. 3
IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art and The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba invite you to join us for the Catalogue Launch celebrating BU professor Kevin McKenzie’s new exhibition. The launch begins at 7:30 p.m., at the Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art.
Guest Speaker – Dr. Matt Tétreault | Oct. 4
In this faculty of Arts Speaker Series talk, Dr. Matt Tétreault of the University of Manitoba will present L’histwayr des histories: From Red River Poetics to the Writing of Home. Dr. Tétreault will explore what it means to write within a Métis literary tradition. The talk will take place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library.
Braid Symbol – Email Signature
Faculty and staff are encouraged to incorporate the braid symbol from Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin, the BU Strategic Plan, in their email signatures. The use of the braid in the Strategic Plan was inspired by Indigenous peoples and represents being stronger and more resilient together.
Connect with BU colleagues at Community Events
BU’s Diversity & Human Rights Office invites you to reach out if you would like to connect with others from across campus at various community events.
Contact Cheryl at flemingc@brandonu.ca.
Educator & Community Resources
LibGuides, Virtual Displays and more!
The BU John E. Robbins Library offers a collection of books and resources that raise awareness about Canada’s Residential School system. Learn more about resources available to you or for in the classroom by viewing the virtual displays below.
Orange Shirt Day Books
Research Connection & Indigenous Authors/Researchers Book Display
BU’s Centre for Aboriginal & Rural Education Studies invites visitors to borrow from their hosted collection of books. Contact Michelle Lam at cares@brandonu.ca for more details.
Pulling Together Manitoba Foundations Guide
Beginning on November 1, 2024, BU faculty and staff are invited to take part in a six-week, guided exploration of the Pulling Together: Manitoba Foundations Guide. Each week, individuals will read through the sections of the guide and engage in related activities at their own pace, then come together as a group for broader reflection and discussion in the form of learning circles. Individuals will be invited to seek out experiences or opportunities related to the learning within their own context following the program and to come back together in a few months to share actions, experiences and outcomes.
