Background
Sheridan is committed to reconciliation and advancing residential school survivors’ stories, resilience and resistance. In 2021, the federal government passed legislation to make September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. However, Phyllis Webstad began this commemoration with Orange Shirt Day in 2013, centring survivor and family stories.
September 30 is a day for remembrance, mourning, learning, unlearning and growth. It is an opportunity to honour the survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools.
Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and Education is commemorating this year’s observance with a schedule of educational and engaging programming in the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 and Orange Shirt Day on September 30. In addition, we will be launching a Reconciliation Series to create a community where acts of reconciliation are showcased.
Please note that in recognition of the weight that this day holds, classes will not be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 as posted on Sheridan’s academic calendar.
Programming
Sheridan is proud to offer programming during Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 23-27, 2024 along with a curation of resources and supports to aid in our community’s education. To honour the survivors of residential schools, we encourage you to spend September 30 engaging in activities that support your own acts of reconciliation and healing.
Every Child Matters Flag Raising
Public commemoration is a vital component of the reconciliation process. By raising the Every Child Matters flag on our campuses, we are bearing witness and uplifting the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Join us to raise the Every Child Matters flag at Sheridan’s Trafalgar Road Campus with special guests Elders Shishigo Gijig and Julie Debassige. Please wear an orange shirt to show your support. Learn more about why we wear orange.
Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 10–10:30 a.m.
Location: Trafalgar Road Campus (outside J-wing by the Medicine Wheel Garden) or join virtually.
Reconciliation Series launch: Featuring Mallory Rose and hosted by the Office of Indigenous Engagement & Education
Join us for the launch of Sheridan’s new Reconciliation Series, hosted by Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Engagement & Education. This event will be the first in a speaker series focused on reconciliation.
We’re pleased to welcome Indigenous entrepreneur, online marketer and startup business training coach Mallory Rose for the kick off of the series. Mallory Rose is an Anishinaabe-kwe, Ojibwe woman from Curve Lake First Nation. She is an innovative, high-energy communicator with 15 years of experience in Indigenous wellness, cultural education and community engagement. She is passionate about amplifying Indigenous voices through online workshops, learning programs, and community-driven initiatives.
During the session, hosted by Audrey Rochette, AVP, Indigenous Engagement and Education External, and Lisa Zangerl member of Sheridan's Indigenous Education Council, Mallory will speak about how to engage with acts of reconciliation and begin your journey.
Developed by Sheridan’s Office of Indigenous Engagement and Education, the Reconciliation Series has been created to support and guide everyone on their journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. This series features esteemed individuals who are leading the way in fostering meaningful engagement and allyship with Indigenous communities. Open to both internal and external participants, it offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of reconciliation.
We invite you to learn and unlearn with Mallory on your journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Online: Register now
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Daily Lunch & Learns: Reconciliation Starts with Education
During Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) invites you to join the daily Lunch and Learn webinars – an immersive experience to UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.
These 50-minute sessions will begin at 1 p.m. each day. All sessions will have simultaneous English-French and ASL interpretation.
Date: Monday, September 23 – Friday, September 27
Time: 1-1:50 p.m. (daily)
Online: Learn more and register
A week of learning and reflection: Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund is hosting a series of webinars focusing on Lil’wat Teachings with Talon Pascal and Sports and Reconciliation with Dallas Soonias.
Talon Pascal is a member of the Lil’wat Nation and an archaeology student at Simon Fraser University. He has been learning about traditional Lil’wat practices since he was a child, and his goal is to pass his skills and knowledge on to preserve his traditions. In this mini-series, Talon will share traditional Lil’wat practices including canoe building, flint knapping and traditional archery.
Dallas Soonias is a former professional volleyball player and CBC Olympic Commentator for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Dallas will offer a recap of the 2024 Olympics, sharing his favourite moments from the Games, and draw from his experience representing Team Canada at the World Championships and the Pan American Games. This session will also explore the theme of sports and reconciliation, and how this medium can be used as a way to bring people together and create more inclusive spaces for Indigenous people. Dallas lives in Calgary, AB, and is a proud member of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
Date: Monday, September 23 – Thursday, September 26
Time: starting at 2 p.m. (daily)
Online: Learn more
Action
Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024 is about learning and unlearning the story of Canada and understanding the strength and resiliency of survivors and Indigenous communities of Turtle Island. Our vision is that everyone in the Sheridan community will have the opportunity to take action by engaging in activities that will support learning and unlearning such as knowing the treaties that apply where you work and where you live, understanding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, incorporating Truth and Reconciliation into your curriculum or workplace, researching intergenerational trauma and trauma-informed pedagogy, how to share the truth about residential schools with family and friends, and how to honour the children and survivors in a way that is meaningful to you. Here is a list of resources that will help you take action:
Suggested actions
Read- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action
- Read one or more of the Truth and Reconciliation Reports
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph
- Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
- Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
- Talk to your children about truth and reconciliation — check out CBC’s recommendations for 29 children’s books for National Indigenous History Month
- The Orange Shirt Society website to learn about the history of the day and access teaching resources
- Visit Sheridan’s medicine garden at the Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville)
- Visit the Woodland Cultural Centre and/or sign up for one of their virtual events including a tour of the Mohawk Institute Residential School
- Purchase an orange shirt and wear it on September 30 to demonstrate your solidarity. Consider making a donation to support Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support (this money directly supports Indigenous students in emergency situations)
- Indigenous students can review the Babamadizwin guide for information about available supports (part of Sheridan’s Well Series)
- Review Sheridan library’s Indigenous Studies Guide
- Review the resources on Sheridan’s digital repository, including Cultivating Trauma-Informed Spaces in Education
- Commit to incorporating truth and reconciliation into your curriculum or workplace
- The Secret Life of Canada about the untold and undertold history of Canada as it relates to Indigenous people
- Listen to the CBC podcast Kuper Island, which tells the story of four students who attended one of the most notorious residential schools
- Watch the film We Were Children, which tells the story of two children who attended residential schools
- Take the free Indigenous Canada course on Coursera
- Watch Starleigh Grass’ TEDx Talk on teaching about residential schools
- Visit the Debwewin Project website to learn about Oakville’s truth and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
Share your message of support
Write a message, a promise or a pledge you would like to share in support of our Indigenous communities and Truth and Reconciliation.