Due to the rain expected September 27, the TRC Mawi’omi, scheduled for the afternoon, is postponed. The event will be rescheduled on a date in October. The new date will be communicated to the campus community when it has been determined.

One aspect of the Mawi’omi that will take place Friday, September 27 is the tying of orange ribbons to the fence on the University Avenue side of the campus. Members of the campus community may pick up orange ribbons to tie on the fence, as well as smaller orange ribbons to wear, in MacMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, from noon to 1:30 pm.

All members of the campus community are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear orange shirts. 

Other related events on campus will continue as planned. The Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights’ compelling educational display, “Yes, Here Too: Prince Edward Island’s Indian Day Schools and Residential Schools in Canada’s Maritimes,” can be viewed in the Kelley Memorial Building, Rooms 115 to 118, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on September 27—the last day for the display.

The display is dedicated to exploring the profound and shameful history of Indian Day Schools and Residential Schools in Canada’s Maritimes. It aims to illuminate the experiences of Indigenous children and families who endured these institutions and to foster a deeper understanding of their generational impact. It is a crucial step toward acknowledging and understanding the complexities of colonization. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and the ongoing journey toward justice and healing. Please note that subject matter and supplemental conversation include abuse, violence, assault, death, abduction, racism, sexism, classism, and cultural genocide. Conversation may also include suicide, substance use, and police brutality. The contents of this activity are based on real events in Canadian history and may be emotionally and intellectually challenging to engage with.

As well, the Robertson Library is hosting an educational display that will focus on Truth and Reconciliation regarding residential schools, which will transition to a celebration of Mi'kmaq History Month in October, particularly the history and culture of Epekwitk.

In the broader PEI community, there will be an official ceremony of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, at 11:30 am in front of the Shaw Building located at 95 Rochford Street in Charlottetown. Mi’kmaq leadership, alongside Premier Dennis King, will come together to observe a solemn moment of silence and reflection at noon. During this time, the flags at the provincial building will be lowered as a mark of respect. UPEI will also lower flags to half-mast on September 30.

On October 1, the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI will host a Treaty Day Mawi’omi at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown from noon to 5:00 pm, which will include traditional dancing, drumming, and singing, and Mi’kmaw artisans and vendors. This free event is led by the First Nations, coordinated by L’nuey, and hosted by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils. All are welcome.

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.