The Centre for Youth & Society is committed to working towards reconciliation with our students, Faculty, and community partners on an ongoing basis. Artwork designed by Kwakwaka'wakw/Coast Salish artist Carey Newman Hayalthkin'geme.
In commemoration of all those who experienced the residential school system, the Centre for Youth and Society joins the University of Victoria in observation of both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 29th and Orange Shirt Day on Friday, September 30th.
The University of Victoria, and several departments, will host several events on September 29th to acknowledge and educate people about the history of residential schools, the role of education in truth and reconciliation, and the TRC’s calls to action.
The theme of this year's event is Resurgence. Resurgence means to reclaim, regenerate, and reconnect one's relationship with Indigenous homelands, culture, and community.
The Orange Shirt Society has produced several videos featuring third-generation residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt story inspired Orange Shirt Day. Hear her story: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/.
9:30 am - Opening Remarks with Eugene Sam and Christine Sam, Songhees Nation
9:50 am - Significance of the Sacred Fire with Ry Morgan, associate university librarian, Reconciliation and co-chair, Orange Shirt Day committee
10:05 am - Survivors share their reflections. Speakers: Eddie Charlie, Karla Point, Mark Atleo, and Laura Manson
11:45 - 12:00 pm - Witness reflections
1:00 - 2:00 pm - Open dialogue on resurgence
Moderator: Dr. Heidi Stark, associate professor, Indigenous Governance and director, Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement at UVic
Panellists: Dr. Sarah Hunt, Tłaliłila’ogwa, assistant professor in Environmental Studies & Canada Research Chair; Dr. Sarah Morales, associate professor, Faculty of Law; Dr. Gina Starblanket, associate professor in School of Indigenous Governance; Andrew Ambers, 4th-year Political Science and Indigenous Studies student
2:00 - 2:30 pm - Closing remarks and closing prayer
9:30 am - ReconciliACTION Oak Bay is hosting a ceremony in from of the Sno'ututth Welcome Pole on the grounds of Oak Bay High School https://reconciliactionoakbay.ca/
10:00 am - Xe Xe Smun'Eem-Victoria Orange shirt day: Every Child Matters Ceremony at Victoria's Centennial Square. The ceremony will include a welcome by Tsartlip Nation Elder May Sam, a land acknowledgement by Songhees Nation member Brianna Bear, speakers and performances, along with a minute of silence to remember the children who did not survive residential schools https://bit.ly/3ro6L1y
12:00 - 4:00 pm - The Art of Reconciliation Exhibition opens at the BC Parliament Building, Hall of Honours, 501 Belleville St. This exhibition will showcase the artwork from the Summer 2021 and Spring 2022 Art of Reconciliation Cohorts and will be open until October 14th https://onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca/artofreconciliation/
4:30 - 7:30 pm - Healing Nation by director Jamuna Galay-Tamang and producer Symbia Barnaby at the Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St. Tickets are by donation https://bit.ly/3dRpvnh
For additional mental health support for Indigenous peoples, visit the Hope for Wellness Helpline, which offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention across Canada in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/.
For additional mental health support for all individuals, please visit: wellbeing.gov.bc.ca.
Educational Resources
The National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Their website houses exhibits documenting the history and legacy of the residential school system for the benefit of all Canadians, educational programming, and more. Read more: https://nctr.ca/.
