(Sault Ste. Marie, ON September 30, 2021) - September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: a day for a heightened focus on honoring and remembering the tragic history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and for reflecting on how we can individually and collectively move reconciliation forward.
In recent months, our country has been shaken by the discoveries at former residential schools in Canada: a real and important reminder of the loss and trauma suffered by so many indigenous families, communities and generations.
Education and learning are critical to paving the way for meaningful reconciliation and our College offers our support and commitment to advancing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada every day. We will continue to foster an appreciation and understanding of the history of Indigenous peoples and we reaffirm our commitment and contribution to the systemic change and learning that must occur for us to move Truth and Reconciliation forward.
We encourage our staff and students to be active participants in this journey by exploring the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's official reports and 94 Calls to Action through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
On September 30th Sault College will be engaged in a number of activities to mark the first official National Truth and Reconciliation Day:
- Sacred fire will be lit at 7:30 a.m. and burn throughout the day
- Classes are cancelled from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to allow staff and students the opportunity to participate in a campus wide virtual education session
- The College will be lit up in orange lights through the day and evening
- Collaborate with Indigenous voices to create a permanent on campus memorial
- Creation of a webpage with additional resources and messages found here: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation