Colleagues and students,
Monday, September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It’s a solemn occasion to reflect on historical injustices, pay our respects to the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and acknowledge the ongoing and reverberating impacts of this troubling time in Canadian history.
For our Indigenous community members, I acknowledge the emotional weight this day may carry. We have resources and support systems available.
Events, educational programming and resources
Faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to make time to participate in one or more Truth and Reconciliation event that McMaster is hosting. Review this Daily News story for in-person and virtual event details, educational opportunities and a list of resources.
Please note that most of these events take place the week leading up to Sept. 30 (Sept. 23-27). Mark your calendars accordingly.
Participation is one important way of showing a commitment to the work required in advancing reconciliation. As a reminder, as per the course calendar, there are no classes scheduled for Monday, September 30.
Orange shirts on sale by AISES
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is sometimes referred to as Orange Shirt Day. Learn about the significance of wearing an orange shirt and the legacy of Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad.
The American Indigenous Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter at McMaster will be selling orange shirts for $20 each on the following dates:
• Wednesday, September 25: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, September 27: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Drain (Hatch, first floor) will also have the T-shirts for sale during its operating hours. Proceeds from the Orange Shirt Sale are going to McMaster AISES and Moccasin Identifier. Thank you to those who have already purchased and have been wearing their shirts around campus.
Share your commitment
While individual commitment is crucial, our impact is magnified when we unite in our efforts.
I encourage you to take a moment to share how you intend to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by filling out this form. Responses, which can be anonymous, will appear on this web page to hopefully inspire further action by your peers and colleagues.
You may want to refer to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 calls to action when deciding how you’ll take meaningful action. As a place of higher education, it’s important to educate ourselves about undeniable truths of the past, engage in introspection and commit to the significant work of reconciliation.
Thank you in advance for your engagement in this week’s programming. Let us honour this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the respect and reflection it deserves.
Sincerely,
Heather Sheardown
Dean of Engineering