September 30th 2021 is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and is a response to the TRC Call to Action 80. This event is for students, staff and faculty, and will help us all foster greater knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, and to take time to reflect on the history of residential schools.

See Activities Map

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9:00 am: Opening the Circle: Circle for Truth Telling

Gym, David E. Enarson Gymnasium **Proof of Vaccination & ID Required

Livestream

We start the day with Sto:lo protocol and ceremony.  The purpose to gather is to learn and grow in our understanding of the history and legacy of Indian Residential Schools and to honor the survivors, their families and communities.

University Siya:m, Patricia Victor will lead in remembering the children who did not return home from the residential schools and Sto:lo pastor and Chief Andrew Victor will speak on “The Role of the Church in Truth and Reconciliation.” This will be followed by small group discussion and prayer. 

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11:30 am: Lunch Break

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1:00 pm: Afternoon Activities and Workshops

Must be selected and reserved ahead of time via Eventbrite

Movie – Indian Horse

DeVries Auditorium, DeVries Centre (Formerly Northwest)
**Proof of Vaccination & ID required

Indian Horse: Indian Horse is the story of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy from northern Ontario who escapes his demons and rough childhood through hockey, Saul is taken to St. Jerome’s Indian Residential School. It is a film adaptation of the story written by Richard Wagamese, Ojibwe

Movie – We Were Children

Block Hall, Neufeld Science Centre

We Were Children is the testimony of two survivors, Lyna Hart and Glen Anaquod. In 1958, Lyna was taken from her family to a school in central Manitoba, while Glen, who was orphaned, entered a school in Saskatchewan, part of 7 generations of children who were betrayed, broken and abandoned. A voice silenced for decades by force and by fear now emerges, powerful and clear, preserved for generations to come.

Blanket Exercise A

Pavilion, Outside near Mattson & McMillan

Bridget Findlay, Indigenous Neighbours MCC BC

The Blanket Exercise is an interactive educational program that teaches the history of indigenous peoples in Canada. The program was created in response to the 1996 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and is used as a teaching tool across Canada. Please bring a blanket and a family photo to this activity.

BlankeT Exercise B

Fraser Lounge, Fraser Hall

Amanda Seymour, Mohawk of Akwesasne & TWU Staff

The Blanket Exercise is an interactive educational program that teaches the history of indigenous peoples in Canada. The program was created in response to the 1996 report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and is used as a teaching tool across Canada. Please bring a blanket and a family photo to this activity.

Campus Tour

Starting in room 126, Robert N Thompson Centre (RNT)

David Clements, TWU Biology & Karen Gabriel, Kwantlen, Plant Knowledge Keeper Campus tour focusing on the Indigenous plants, trees, medicines growing on Langley campus.

TRC Calls to Action

Glass Room ("Fishbowl"), Library

Sheryl Kirkham, TWU School of Nursing & Matthew Etherington, TWU School of Education

There are 94 calls to action and provide opportunities for government, communities, churches, educational institutes and individuals to work together to repair the harm caused by the Indian Residential School system. Action 48 & 49 relate to Faith Communities; Action 60-62 Church & Reconciliation, Article 6-12 Education and Article 18-24 Health.

Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being in Research

Room 13, Neufeld Science Centre

Kendra Reiger, TWU School of Nursing; Kathleen Lounsbury, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Erica Grimm, TWU SAMC

Explore the joys and challenges of using Indigenous ways of knowing and being in research.

Tea with Elders

Trinity Commons

Local Elders

Come and hear the stories of the elders and participate in discussion with them.

Workshop Collection: Learning & Storytelling

Room 106, DeVries Centre (formerly Northwest)

Nina Pak, TWU School of Education & Annelyn Victor, Sto:lo

First Peoples Principle of Learning:

it is understood that an inherent interconnectedness exists between all of the principles. They operate in concert with each other in a robust and healthy learning environment and education system. Creating teaching and learning environments that reflect the FPPL has as much to do with an educator’s philosophy about education, and disposition, as it has to do with curricular content.  Led by Nina Pak, Professor School of Education

Storytelling:

Indigenous peoples have long passed on knowledge from generation to generation through oral traditions, including storytelling. Storytelling is a traditional method used to teach about cultural beliefs, values, customs, rituals, history, practices, relationships, and ways of life. It is a foundation for holistic learning, relationship building, and experiential learning. Led by Annelyn Victor, Sto:lo

Workshop Collection: Indian Act & UNDRIP

Room 125, Robert N Thompson Centre

Grand Chief Clarence Pennier, Sto:lo & Bruce Shelvey, TWU History

Indian Act:

was enacted in 1876 and has since been amended, allows the government to control most aspects of aboriginal life: Indian status, land, resources, wills, education, band administration and the day-to=day affairs of Indigenous peoples and communities. Today it largely retains its original form and is a part of a long history of assimilation policies.  Led by Grand Chief Clarence Pennier, Sto:lo

UNDRIP:

On November 28, 2019, British Columbia became the first jurisdiction in Canada to incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”), making UNDRIP part of BC law. What does it mean moving forward in a good way.  Led by Bruce Shelvey, History Professor

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3:15 pm: Closing the Circle

Gym, David E. Enarson Gymnasium **Proof of Vaccination & ID Required

Livestream

Following the afternoon of learning activities, once again we will gather together in the gym at 3:15 PM, ending the day with Sto:lo protocol.  The witnesses will share their reflections and protocol gifts will be given to all participants to remember what we have learned together.