McMaster community marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

A closeup of a person's hands as they do very precise and intricate beading at a table with a colourful tablecloth on it.

Community members participated in events and observances the week leading up to Sept. 30, to learn more about and reflect on the ongoing impact of the residential school system. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

September 30, 2024

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on Sept. 30, is a day of commemoration to learn about, recognize and reflect on the ongoing, intergenerational impact of residential schools, to honour survivors and to remember the children who never came home.

While McMaster is open on September 30, no classes are being held, to allow the community time and space for mourning, learning and reflection.

In addition to being an important time of recognition of the terrible legacy of residential schools, it’s also a time for hope, says Rob Innes, chair of the Indigenous Studies department and co-chair of the newly formed Truth and Reconciliation Communications Committee at McMaster.

“It’s an opportunity for all Canadians to listen to the experiences of survivors and learn more about the revitalization of Indigenous cultures, languages and heritage taking place on our campus and in communities across Canada.”

In the week leading up to Sept. 30, members of the McMaster community participated in several events and observances to learn more about the impacts of the residential school system.

Rick Monture holding up paper and speaking at a lecturn in the Ceremonial Room, beside the screen showing the Truth and Reconciliation presentation.
Professor Rick Monture speaks after the the Truth and Reconciliation presentation. The Woodland Cultural Centre, established at the site of the Mohawk Institute Residential School, works to preserve, promote and strengthen Indigenous language, culture, art and history. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

The Indigenous Studies Department screened the Woodland Cultural Centre’s Truth and Reconciliation presentation.

Professor Rick Monture, who spoke after the presentation, shared a poignant letter that his uncle, a residential school survivor, wrote about his experiences, warning of the damaging impact of the Indian Residential School program. 

A man in blue and a woman in an orange T-shirt smile and shake hands in a group of 5 smiling people in the Ceremonial Room on campus.
President David Farrar and Pat Fraser from the Indigenous Studies Department shake hands before the screening of the Woodland Cultural Centre presentation in the Ceremonial Room in L.R. Wilson Hall. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

While the university is working to make strides toward Truth and Reconciliation, “Indigenous faculty, staff and students continue to be impacted by the ongoing trauma of the residential school system and colonial injustices,” says President David Farrar.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action highlight the immense barriers that Indigenous individuals and communities face, and it’s vital that we understand them all, including those specific to universities.”

We need to continue to address challenges such as the historic underfunding of Indigenous academic and research programs, barriers to Indigenous representation in university leadership and faculty, financial burdens, the ongoing need for further mental health supports, and the loss of connection with traditional ways of knowing, cultural practices and community, Farrar says.

“I am grateful to the Indigenous community on our campus, whose leadership and guidance have allowed us to begin addressing these and other barriers. I look forward to building on this important work and continuing our collective journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.”

People stop to look at Indigenous-made crafts for sale at a table in the atrium of MUSC
Indigenous-made items at the vendors market in MUSC included stickers, beaded jewellery and accessories, ribbon skirts and more. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
A group of smiling people stand around a table at the vendor market in MUSC
A lot of familiar faces came by at the vendor market in MUSC. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

Indigenous Student Services organized a vendor market in the atrium of MUSC, where a number of local Indigenous creators showcased their their work. Students could also try their hand at beading, at a table set up by ISS student volunteers. 

3 smiling people wearing orange Every Child Matters shirts in the lobby of the Hatch building on campus.
From left: American Indian Science and Engineering Society McMaster chapter founder James Lemoine, Dean of Engineering Heather Sheardown and Provost Susan Tighe. Proceeds from orange shirt sales went to McMaster AISES and Moccasin Identifier.

“Supporting Truth and Reconciliation is essential to fostering Indigenous academic excellence,” says Susan Tighe, provost and vice-president (Academic).  

“At McMaster, we are committed to creating environments where Indigenous students, faculty and staff can thrive. The events of the past week remind us that meaningful reconciliation goes hand in hand with empowering Indigenous voices in academia.”

A group of smiling people flanks the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge emblem on the wall in the hallway.
The Indigenous Health Learning Lodge held an open house that offered an opportunity to learn about health initiatives that promote Indigenous health and well-being, and strengthen community connections.
A closeup of several books displayed on a table.
The Health Sciences Library in the Faculty of Health Sciences curated a special display of books about Indigenous history and culture, as well as Truth and Reconciliation. (Photo by Brandon Kaiser, Faculty of Health Sciences)

The Health Sciences Library curated a special display of books focused on Indigenous history and culture, as well as Truth and Reconciliation. 

Among them is With Our Orange Hearts by Phyllis Webstad, the residential school survivor whose story of having her shirt taken away inspired the Orange Shirt Day movement.   

Folded Orange T shirts on a table, with black writing on them that reads "Ever Child Matters"
Orange “Every Child Matters” T-shirts have become a symbol of the way authorities stripped away the culture, freedom and self-esteem of generations of Indigenous Peoples. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)

The department of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted a drop-in discussion event, guided by quotes from several books written by Indigenous authors.  

The books are part of an in-house library that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion, available for faculty and staff to borrow and further their learning.

A nighttime shot of University Hall lit up with an orange light.
University Hall and Hamilton Hall have been lit up in orange light from dusk to dawn this week and will remain so through Sept. 30. (Photo by Georgia Kirkos, McMaster University)
Seen from way below: The Survivors Flag flying at the top of a tower.
The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system.

The Survivor’s flag has been flying above University Hall since Sept. 23. Campus flags will be lowered for the day on Sept. 30. 

Read more about Indigenous research, education, student experience and leadership at McMaster