Indigenous
National Truth and Reconciliation Week at Vanier College
This year, Vanier College is holding National Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 23-27, to honor the victims and survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. The national holiday, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, will be celebrated on Monday, September 30.
Vanier personnel and students are invited to wear orange shirts during that week and especially on Monday, September 30. Orange is worn because of a grassroots awareness campaign started by Phyllis Webstad, from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation in what is now B.C. This day intends to raise awareness of the inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
Several events will be held at Vanier in honor of TRC week. Several awareness events on campus will take place including the sale of orange shirts designed by student Cyrus Smoke.
Tues. Sept. 24 @ 10-11:30 on campus: Cree activist Nakuset will launch Vanier’s Truth & ReconciliACTION Speakers’ Series for 2024-25. Nakuset is director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and Resilience Montreal. Location: Theatre room (B-325).
Wed. Sept. 25 @ UB (12:30-2) Events will take place outdoors in the Indigenous learning structure (A'nó:wara O'nó:wa). If it rains, events will move to the Metro area in Jake’s, & possibly the Theatre room (B-325).
Mon. Sept. 30: 4th Annual “Every Child Matters” March, downtown For National Truth and Reconciliation Day / week, organized by Nakuset. Start Time: 1:00 PM, featuring speeches by Kevin Deer, Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Ellen Gabriel, Alex McComber, Maya Mollen Dupuis, and others. Gathering Location: Monument George-Étienne Cartier (Parc Avenue & Rachel).