National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a time for reflection, learning

Trigger warning: residential schools, death

On Sept. 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day focused on commemoration and reflection, on acknowledging the past and present, and on committing to making a difference now and into the future.

Most importantly for us as educators, it is a day for learning and discovery that continues throughout our lives. It is about listening and truly hearing; it is about opening our hearts and our minds; it is about trying to do better.

By individually and publicly commemorating the history and legacy of residential schools, we are taking a small step in our collective reconciliation journey.

I encourage you to join in this effort in your own way, by participating in an event, reading a book, watching a film, or exploring some of the many resources available below, and those of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

To mark this day, we have raised the orange “Every Child Matters” flag at our campus in Athabasca, demonstrating our commitment to remembrance, to learning, and to ongoing reconciliation. Please join us in this journey.

Sincerely,

Dr. Alex Clark, President
Athabasca University

Banner image: A beaded AU medallion created by Alexandra Roy and Dione Rain of Paul’s First Nation.