WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg hosts Cultures Disrupted: The Legacy Of Residential Schools and Language Loss Symposium on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 9:00 am – 1:30 pm, Convocation Hall. This half-day event aimed at educating youth will include stories and experiences of residential school survivors and the legacy of language loss, followed by moderated discussions. Students in attendance will hear directly from the commissioners of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair; Dr. Marie Wilson; and Chief Wilton Littlechild. Other presenters include broadcaster and UWinnipeg’s Director of Indigenous Inclusion, Wab Kinew; UWinnipeg professor, Indigenous Studies, Dr. Lorena Fontaine; and University of Sudbury assistant professor, Indigenous Studies, Dr. Brock Pitawanakwat.
“This is an incredible opportunity for participants to learn about a dark corner of Canadian history; the legacy of the residential school experience is a critical conversation that must take place with all Canadians for this country to move forward,” explains Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor. “We are honoured to have all three Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners at the symposium to assist in the education and reconciliation process.”
The two topics that will be addressed during the symposium are:
• Stories and Experiences from The Commissioners of the Truth And Reconciliation Commission of Canada (Moderated by Wab Kinew)
• Linguicide – The Legacy of Language Loss (Moderated by Jennifer Rattray, UWinnipeg’s Associate Vice-President of Indigenous, Government, and Community Affairs).
Open to the public, the symposium will give participants an opportunity to engage in the difficult dialogue about the legacy of residential schools, and learn about the far reaching intergenerational issues that stem from them. Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Workers will be on site to offer emotional support to the participants.
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