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September 30

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Orange Shirt Day

What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

More than 150,000 Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children attended Canadian government-funded Residential Schools run by the church from the 1830s to 1997. Many children, some as young as three years old, were forcibly removed from their homes and sent far away from their families and communities for long periods of time.

We observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to remember and honour the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and the families and communities who were forever impacted by this cruel policy whose intent was to erase all traces of Indigenous identity, culture and language.

Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots commemorative day that was created in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad who is Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band) and a residential school survivor.  

As part of the public commemoration of the painful history and impacts of residential schools, Concordians are invited to wear orange to honour the Indigenous peoples and communities who suffered at the hands of this government and church-endorsed system. 

Orange tee shirt with Every Child Matters in white

Concordia's actions towards reconciliation

Decolonizing and Indigenizing curriculum and pedagogy

A five-year strategic implementation plan

The Office of Decolonizing Curriculum and Pedagogy's 5-year strategic plan sets evolving priorities for the decolonization of curriculum and pedagogy at Concordia from 2023 to 2027.

Visit the Decolonization Hub to learn about the plan's values, mission and objectives, and what steps you can take to begin decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy.

The history, resilience and continuance of the Rotinonhsión:ni (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy: Self-learning modules

This series of educational primers for Concordia faculty, staff and students is a  step toward decolonizing and Indigenizing the university curriculum.

The series was developed by Kanien’kehá:ka educators Donna Kahérakwas Goodleaf, DIrector, decolonizing curriculum and pedagogy at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and lead project manager, and Kanentokon Hemlock, researcher and writer for the content of the modules. 

Honouring Indigenous leaders

Events and activities

We invite you to participate in activities and opportunities to share and learn leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Introduction to Cree Language

A fun, interactive introductory language workshop open to all Concordians interested in learning the Cree language, and a bit more about what makes Indigenous people tick. The lunchtime workshop is taught by Indigenous Directions Senior Director, Manon Tremblay

The Decolonial Toolbox: an educational pathway

Embark on a personal journey toward decolonization and meaningful allyship witth the Decolonial Toolbox’s Educational Pathway. This self-guided course you will help you learn about the historical and contemporary realities of Indigenous Peoples. It provides resources and stimulates reflection to help you understand the impacts of colonization and offer guidance to challenge colonialism in your everyday life. 

Honouring Truth, Reflecting on Impact: A Day of Learning

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and to mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, the Office of Indigenous Directions invites the university community to participate in a day of reflection and learning. The event on Tuesday, Sept. 16, features two panel discussions.

Lunch and Learn webinars

Every September, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers free Lunch and Learn webinars that will help you UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.

More events at Concordia

Show your spirit on social

Participate on social media by sharing photos wearing your orange shirt with the hashtags #NDTR #Concordia.

Mental health and wellness support for Indigenous People

Some of the information featured here may trigger feelings or thoughts of past abuse. Please contact the 24-hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for emotional support.

Territorial Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of Tiohtià:ke/Montréal, the lands and waters on which we gather today.

As we commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day on September 30, let us embark on a collective journey of enlightenment, solidarity, and reconciliation. 

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