Indigenous ceremony, events, and activities

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Sept. 30

A National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was officially recognized for the first time in 2021 on Sept. 30. This day, Orange Shirt Day, seeks to honour the survivors and children who did not make it home from Canada’s Residential School System and increase awareness around this shameful part of our country’s history, as we continue on the path towards reconciliation.
 
Mount Allison University takes the commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Calls to Action seriously. Every year, the University embarks on a week of reflection around Truth and Reconciliation leading up to Sept. 30.
 
The Indigenous Affairs Office and the Indigenous Advisory Circle, along with the Indigenous Student Support Group, organize a number of initiatives, activities, and learning opportunities, in partnership with local Indigenous communities and Elders.

Monday, Sept. 25 – Friday, Sept. 29

Webinar screenings courtesy of National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will run daily 2:30–3:30 p.m.

Topics include:

• Day 1, Sept. 25 | WMSC 288: Indigenous peoples and the History of Residential Schools
• Day 2, Sept. 26 | WMSC 288: Unconscious bias and debunking stereotypes
• Day 3, Sept. 27 | WMSC 288: Intergenerational impacts and ongoing systemic discrimination
• Day 4, Sept. 28 | WMSC 125: Indigenous peoples’ rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Day 5, Sept. 29 | WMSC 125: Taking action toward Reconciliation

Sign up to watch online
Or join in person for a screening and conversation, register by emailing hr@mta.ca

Wednesday, Sept. 27 

• Screening of Bones of Crows
  Crabtree Auditorium | 6–8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 28  

• Special lunch menu at Jennings Dining Hall
  11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Featuring bison burgers, butternut squash and apple soup, and sunflower cookies.
   
• CCDI webinar viewing and conversation, Moving from reconciliation to reconciliACTION: Engaging and supporting Indigenous communities
  Dunn 101 | 2 p.m. 
  Register by emailing hr@mta.ca.
   
• Talk by Elder in Residence, William Nevin
  Crabtree Auditorium | 6 p.m. 

Friday, Sept. 29

• Screening of Bones of Crows (2nd viewing)
  Crabtree Auditorium | 1–3 p.m.
   
• Sweat Lodge Ceremony
  Indigenous Ceremonial Space, 76 York St. (behind Colville House) | 1–3 p.m.
  Register by Monday, Sept. 25 by emailing Kaia Knockwood at kjknockwood@mta.ca

Saturday, Sept. 30

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day*
  The day commemorates the Indigenous children who never returned home, as well as the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
  
  *Orange shirts and hats are sold at the Bookstore
   
• Concert: Ensemble Constantinople
  Brunton Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
  Ensemble Constantinople (Kiya Tabassian, director) presents a program of early Indigenous musics appropriate to reflection on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. "Breathings" is a celebration of our intimate relationship with nature, a concert that places the breath at the centre of the musical act. Performers include Darlene Gijuminag (Mi’kmaq singer and drummer), Celina Kalluk (throat singer), Kiya Tabassian (director; setar), Kianoush Khalilian (ney), Patrick Graham (percussion), Didem Basar (kanun), Etienne Lafrance (double bass). For details and tickets, visit sackvilleearlymusic.com or call (506) 878-3786.

Questions? Email indigenous@mta.ca.

Learning Resources

Visit National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which contains educational resources and related information.

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Indigenous Ceremonial Space

Various events and activities, including Sweat Lodge ceremonies, are held on sacred space on campus during the academic year and during special events. Located behind Colville House, the space includes a Sacred Sweat Lodge, tipi, and the Three Sisters Garden.

These spaces also serve as teaching and gathering spaces.

Questions? Email indigenous@mta.ca