Na'kuset, BA 00, was adopted during the Sixties Scoop. The Executive Director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal, is Cree from Lac la Ronge, Saskatchewan. Learn about her story in the CBC short documentary, Becoming Nakuset.
September 30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
More than 150,000 Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) children attended government-funded Residential Schools run by the church from the 1830's to 1997. Some children were as young as three years old. Many children 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 or Orange Shirt Day 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 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, people across Canada are encouraged to wear orange to honour the Indigenous peoples and communities who suffered at the hands of this government and church-endorsed system. Across the country, hundreds of activities will commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
Some of the information featured here may trigger feelings or thoughts of past abuse.
How to find support.
Life at Residential School
Read how survivor Eugene (Wesley) Arcand turned to sports to survive residential school and learn to thrive in a series of illustrated stories. His is one of thousands of survival stories shared as part of the TRC's work.
We invite you to consult the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website to learn more about Indigenous Peoples' experience in Canada.
The impact of the Sixties Scoop
Between 1960s and the 1980s First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were systematically removed from their homes often without the consent or knowledge of the children’s families and communities. Children were adopted into predominantly non-Indigenous families, often out of province or in the United States, with no connection to their own languages, traditions and extended families. Provincial child welfare workers only began to inform Bands or communities of the location of children after 1980.
Many families and children who were part of the Sixties Scoop are still searching for their relatives. Many have shared their stories as part of their healing journeys.
Concordians share their stories
Nina Segalowitz, BA 99, was taken from her family in Fort Smith, N.W.T., at the age of seven months. She shares her story as part of the Legacy of Hope Bi-Giwen: Coming Home, Truth Telling From the Sixties Scoop series.
Concordia's actions towards reconciliation
Tuition waivers for First Nations and Inuit students in Quebec
Most grad and undergrad programs will be covered, including part-time studies, certificates and independent studies.
Decolonizing and Indigenizing curriculum and pedagogy
A five-year strategic implementation plan
The Centre for Teaching and Learning's Office of Decolonizing Curriculum and Pedagogy launched a Five-Year Strategic Implementation Plan on decolonizing and Indigenizing curriculum and pedagogy on September 8, 2023.
The 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.
Importance of education
See why First Peoples Studies professor and artist, Nicolas Renauld, says that education is crucial for reconciliation and decolonization. He is a member of the Huron-Wendat First Nation.
Honouring Indigenous leaders
Loyola Medal for Murray Sinclair
Concordia named the Honourable Murray Sinclair, LLB MSC IPC, as its 2022 Loyola Medal recipient. The former senator, judge and chairperson was recognized for his contributions to Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)—the federal taskforce that gave survivors of the country’s residential school system the opportunity to tell their stories.
Hon doc for Grand Chief Littlechild
Grand Chief Wilton Littlechild served as a commissioner on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Concordia awarded him an Honorary Doctorate at the Spring 2018 convocation. In his closing, he challenged the graduating class to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: 94 Calls to Action, urging them to “pick one that speaks to you and implement it.”
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.
Message from the Senior Director
September 30 is a day of healing, commemoration and reflection. On this day, many First Nations, Métis and Inuit members of the Concordia community choose to be with their families and in their home communities to support Indian Residential Survivors and to remember the children who never came home.
We invite all Concordians to pause and reflect on how we, as a university community, can move forward together to build a better future for all of our children. Because every child matters. Chaque enfant compte. Tahto awâsis ispîhtêyihtâkosiw.
—Manon Tremblay, Senior Director, Office of Indigenous Directions
Join a webinar
From Sept. 23 - 27, join free Lunch and Learn webinars hosted by the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation that will help you UN-learn the myths of colonial history in Canada.
Show your spirit on social
Participate on social media by sharing photos wearing your orange shirt with the hashtags #NDTR #Concordia.
Events at Concordia
The Concordia Pow Wow continues to grow — in size and spirit
The third annual Concordia Pow Wow was held on Friday, September 13 at Loyola Campus.
Resources
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.