The Brock University community has co-ordinated a packed lineup of programming leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Observed annually on Sept. 30, the day reflects on the history of the residential school system and its intergenerational impacts within First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities across the country.

“It’s important that the Brock community recognize reconciliation as a shared responsibility and take action. It makes a statement of commitment to the healing process of Indigenous people,” says Cindy Biancaniello, Director of the Hadiya’dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre.

Among the month’s events is a Curator’s Conversation, hosted by Brock Art and Engagement Manager Mandy Salter, that will showcase rare pieces from the University’s art collection in the Entiohahathe’te Knowledge Reading Den on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Brock and wider community are invited to attend a “Walk with Brock” event from noon to 1 p.m. Beginning and ending outside the University’s Residence 8 building, all are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and join in the walk.

Orange shirts, worn to honour survivors of Canada’s residential schools as well as children who never returned home, can be purchased from a variety of Indigenous creators. Those designed by the team at Hadiya’dagénhahs are available at the Campus Store, with all proceeds supporting the development of the Mohawk Village Memorial Park on the grounds of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ont.

All Indigenous students at Brock are also invited to attend a series of events providing culturally safe spaces to share, listen and connect throughout the month, including a Survivor Talk on Wednesday, Sept. 24 and a Talking Circle on Monday, Sept. 29.

A full day of programming will also mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The Office of People and Culture will host a panel from 10 a.m. to noon in Pond Inlet featuring Brock employees who have made meaningful contributions to reconciliation and decolonization on campus. Moderated by Robyn Bourgeois, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, all University employees are encouraged to attend and engage in conversation discussing the work currently taking place across campus and the ongoing journey toward truth, reconciliation and justice

“So many people are walking their talk when it comes to decolonization at Brock and this event is a chance to celebrate their successes and learn from their experiences,” Bourgeois says.

Immediately following the employee event, all are encouraged to wear orange and participate in an aerial photo at 12:10 among the campus’ cherry blossom trees. In the case of inclement weather, the photo will be taken in the Goodman School of Business atrium.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the University’s men’s lacrosse team will host a free game against the Toronto Varsity Blues. Family-friendly programming will take place before the game and during half-time.

Additional workshops and events throughout the month include the launch of Anishinaabe writer Patty Krawec’s new book, Bad Indians Book Club, on Sept. 16; Reconciliation: How we Participate on Sept. 17; Education as a Tool of Settler Colonialism and Reclaiming Power and Place for Indigenous Voices on Sept. 22; Systems of Marginalization: Understanding Racism and Homelessness as Barriers to Healthcare Access and Indigenous Material Culture in the Academy on Sept. 24; a land acknowledgment workshop on Sept. 25; and a guest lecture on Sept. 29. A three-part podcast series is also being developed by campus partners for release on Sept. 30.

More information about the month’s events is available on ExperienceBU.