National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sep 30, 2022

Each year, Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Recognition of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Each campus will have a Legacy Of Hope Foundation exhibit on display. Escaping at Ottawa; Generations Lost at Pembroke; and Bi-Giwen at Perth. Each campus will also fly the Every Child Matters flag.

Recognition Ceremony and Commemorative Sculpture Unveiling, Ishkodewan, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Please join President Brulé in Ishkodewan at the Ottawa Campus to listen and learn to Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. Algonquin College will then unveil a monument created by local artist, Barry Ranger, to commemorate the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country.

All Algonquin College employees and students welcome. Wear your orange T-shirt to show support.

Please register to attend in-person here.
Watch online here if you are unable to attend.

The Mamidosewin Centre, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Mamidosewin Centre will be open for students dropping in to host supportive discussions. The Centre intends to provide a place students can go to feel supported, to make sense of what reconciliation means to them, and have a meal as well as supportive dialog.

  • 9:30 a.m.: Morning smudge and welcome breakfast.
  • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Chili and bannock lunch
  • 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Speakers Series: The History of Colonization from Pre-Contact to Truth and Reconciliation led by Eric Johnston and Jackie Tenute.

Watch online here if you are unable to join in-person.
Go to the Student Support Services events page for more information.

Film to be screened in the Big Box Theatre (N112), refreshments and discussions in Nawapon (C100), 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Film Screening

  • Join to watch the multiple-award-winning film Beans and hear a special talk by Director, Tracey Deer in the Big Box Theatre (N112 at 4 p.m.). Afterwards, there will be space for reflection and discussion outside by the fire, which will be moderated by the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival. Light food and refreshments will be provided in Nawapon.
  • This event is a collaborative effort by Learning and Teaching Services, Film and Media Production, the Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization, as well as the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival
  • Open to all AC employees and students. Space is limited, so do arrive early. If you would like to bring your class or a large group to the screening, please RSVP to granths@algonquincollege.com by Sept. 26.

Pembroke Campus

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, 9:40 a.m.
Please join a Special Truth and Reconciliation ceremony led by Kampus Kokum and Campus Elder in the Commons.

Kairos Blanket Exercise, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the Pembroke campus in the gymnasium for an interactive session to experience teaching tool that shares the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Offered in partnership with the city of Pembroke.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kairos-blanket-exercise-registration-424098749777

Free 3 Sisters Soup, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
All students and employees welcome to join over the lunch hour. Prepared by the Food Services team.