Commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at UPEI
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day, takes place every year in Canada on September 30. It is a day to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada).
Established in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) as a federal statutory holiday, received Royal Assent on June 3, 2021. The Day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
While UPEI will be closed on September 30 as it is a statutory holiday, we will mark the NDTR with some focused events and observances on campus from September 24–September 30. The UPEI Bookstore is also once again selling orange t-shirts, sourced locally from Indigenous PEI in Charlottetown in support of NDTR.
Join the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's virtual Lunch and Learn series from September 21 to 25, to explore Indigenous perspectives, reconciliation, leadership, health, and confronting residential school denialism. Campus colleagues are especially invited to gather in the Teaching and Learning Centre, Robertson Library 228 on Thursday, September 24 at 3:00 pm to watch Honouring Indigenous Leadership: Perspectives for a Shared Future together.
Also, on Thursday, September 24, from 1:00–3:00 pm, join the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies at the Tipi in the UPEI quadrangle as we honour the Survivors of Indian Residential Schools and remember the children who never returned home. Wear your orange shirt to show your support for Truth and Reconciliation.
- 1:00 pm | The Tipi - Smudging ceremony
- 1:15 pm | UPEI Campus - Smudge walk
- 2:00 pm | McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre - Phyllis Webstad's Orange Shirt Story and Community Lunch
On Tuesday, September 29, UPEI will host the TRC Mawi’omi honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in McMillan Hall, from 10:00 am–2:00 pm. Mawi’omi is the word for “gathering” in the Mi’kmaw language.
Join in for a day of reflection, learning, and community as we mark the 11th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s Final Reports along with 94 Calls to Action, which guide Canada’s path toward reconciliation. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The TRC Mawi’omi is a gathering that is open to the University and broader community, involving several activities with the aim of increasing awareness, fostering community relationships, and ensuring that the narratives of Indigenous peoples are honoured and understood. All are welcome.
On Tuesday, September 30, the Official Ceremony of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will take place at 11:30 am in front of the Shaw Building located at 95 Rochford Street in Charlottetown. During this time, the flags at the provincial building will be lowered as a mark of respect and a moment of silence will be observed at 12 noon. (UPEI will also lower the flags on campus to half-mast on September 30.)
Other relevant links to educate and promote awareness:
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (University of Manitoba)
- L'nuey
Please note: The National Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families. The toll-free crisis line number is 1-866-925-4419. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
