The Brock University community has co-ordinated a packed lineup of programming leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’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,\u201d says Cindy Biancaniello, Director of the Hadiya\u2019dag\u00e9nhahs First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit Student Centre.<\/p>\n
Among the month’s events is a Curator’s Conversation<\/a>, hosted by Brock Art and Engagement Manager Mandy Salter, that will showcase rare pieces from the University\u2019s art collection in the Entiohahathe’te Knowledge Reading Den on Tuesday, Sept. 16.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, Sept. 23, the Brock and wider community are invited to attend a \u201cWalk with Brock\u201d event from noon to 1 p.m. Beginning and ending outside the University\u2019s Residence 8 building, all are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and join in the walk.<\/p>\n Orange shirts<\/a>, worn to honour survivors of Canada\u2019s 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’dag\u00e9nhahs are available at the Campus Store<\/a>, with all proceeds supporting the development of the Mohawk Village Memorial Park<\/a> on the grounds of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ont.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> on Wednesday, Sept. 24 and a Talking Circle<\/a> on Monday, Sept. 29.<\/p>\n A full day of programming will also mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Tuesday, Sept. 30.<\/p>\n The Office of People and Culture will host a panel<\/a> 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<\/p>\n \u201cSo 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,\u201d Bourgeois says.<\/p>\n Immediately following the employee event, all are encouraged to wear orange and participate in an aerial photo at 12:10 among the campus\u2019 cherry blossom trees. In the case of inclement weather, the photo will be taken in the Goodman School of Business atrium.<\/p>\n Beginning at 7 p.m., the University\u2019s men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Additional workshops and events throughout the month include the launch of Anishinaabe writer Patty Krawec\u2019s new book, Bad Indians Book Club<\/a>, on Sept. 16; Reconciliation: How we Participate<\/a> on Sept. 17; Education as a Tool of Settler Colonialism<\/a> and Reclaiming Power and Place for Indigenous Voices<\/a> on Sept. 22; Systems of Marginalization: Understanding Racism and Homelessness as Barriers to Healthcare Access<\/a> and Indigenous Material Culture in the Academy<\/a> on Sept. 24; a land acknowledgment workshop<\/a> on Sept. 25; and a guest lecture<\/a> on Sept. 29. A three-part podcast series<\/a> is also being developed by campus partners for release on Sept. 30.<\/p>\n