In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Wesley Hall at The University of Winnipeg will be lit orange nightly during the week of Monday, September 23. The University will also be closed on Monday, September 30.
Throughout the week, special events, learning opportunities, and activities will be dedicated to honouring residential school Survivors and learning from Indigenous Peoples and perspectives.
“While it might be most apparent this week, the work of Reconciliation happens all year long,” said Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, Chantal Fiola. “Indeed, many individuals at this institution are engaged in these efforts throughout the year; to them, I extend a heartfelt miigwetch! I hope this week sparks renewed commitment from those already participating in this work, and becomes a catalyst encouraging others to begin contributing. Cumulatively, our efforts create a more compassionate University of Winnipeg that benefits everyone.”
Monday, September 23
Every Child Matters flag raising
UWinnipeg will be raising the Every Child Matters flag in front of Wesley Hall at 10:00 a.m. Elder Dan Thomas will provide a prayer, followed by remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Todd Mondor, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, Chantal Fiola, and Director of Community Learning & Engagement, Angeline Nelson.
Orange steel cut-outs in the shape of T-shirts will also be installed on the front lawn of campus on Monday, September 23. This installation was created by local artist Kendra Gierys.
Wesley Hall will be lit up in Orange from Oct. 23-30.
KC Adams Art Exhibit Discussion
Following the flag raising, Dr. Chantal Fiola will host a discussion with artist KC Adams on her exhibit WE ARE STILL HERE in Convocation Hall at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
KC Adams (Flying Overhead Eagle Woman) will present after the flag raising on September 23.
WE ARE STILL HERE – a series of portraits by KC Adams
The UWinnipeg library invites you to visit its temporary exhibition on level 4CM from September 23 to October 4. WE ARE STILL HERE is a series of portraits created by artist KC Adams in 2021.
KC Adams (Ininnew/Anishinaabe/British) is a multi-media artist based in Winnipeg. In this artwork, she is “taking control of the narrative of residential schools” by portraying Indigenous children aged 5 to 16. Her photographs show her “Indigenous community’s resilience, knowledge and the responsibility of children to bring joy and hope to our people”.
Alongside these portraits, the exhibition will include Jamie Isaac’s book Brings to Light.
“Brings to Light is a personal story of intergenerational Indigenous experiences of trauma, memory, resiliency and reclamation”. The book is an extension of the exhibition held in Gallery 1C03 from November 2022 to February 2023. It includes intergenerational contributions by the artist’s family members, beautiful illustrations, and a series of compelling texts. You can buy this book on Gallery 1C03’s website. Proceeds will be donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
You can also participate in the exhibition by leaving a message on the library’s interactive display, answering the question: “What does Truth and Reconciliation look like to you?”
Tuesday, September 24
Feast
All are welcome to join the Indigenous Students’ Association for a feast in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Indigenous Student Service Lounge.
Please join us as we honour the strength and resilience of residential and day school survivors and remember the children who never came home.
Wednesday, September 25
Enos Montour’s Brown Tom’s Schooldays, Indian Residential Schools, and the United Church of Canada: a talk by Dr. Mary Jane McCallum
12:30 to 1:20 p.m., EG Hall (3C00)
Enos Montour’s Brown Tom’s Schooldays tells the story of a young boy’s life at residential school drawing from Montour’s first-hand experiences. Join Dr. Mary Jane McCallum for an exploration of Montour’s book and the history of Residential Schools. This event is generously supported by the Office of Indigenous Engagement.
This is a free, public event and open to everyone. No registration is required. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m.
Friday, September 27
Wear your orange shirt
We encourage all UWinnipeg faculty, staff, and students to wear orange shirts on this day, and to purchase shirts that support Indigenous groups and Survivors.
The UWinnipeg Bookstore has Every Child Matters T-shirts for sale, designed by artist Madison Pascal. All profits will be equally divided and donated to the Orange Shirt Society, the Regina Indian Industrial School Commemorative Association Inc., and GDI-SUNTEP Regina.
The 2024 Every Child Matters design by Madison Pascal
In partnership with the UWSA, the Office of Indigenous Engagement will be giving away orange shirts, as well as accepting donations for the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre’s programming from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in The Hive.
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake, B.C., in 2013 at a commemorative event for the Survivors of St. Joseph Mission Residential School. The idea of wearing shirts to remember the experiences of Survivors came from the story of Phyllis Webstad. In 1974, at the age of six, Phyllis was forced to attend St. Joseph Mission. She was proud to wear a brand-new orange shirt to school that day but, upon arrival, it was cruelly stripped from her and never returned.
Orange Shirt Day has grown to represent the generations of stolen children that never came home, the resilience and strength of Survivors, and the courage of families as they work to reclaim their own stories and traditions.
Monday, September 30
The University will be closed to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is an opportunity for the UWinnipeg community to take time to reflect and to honour Survivors, their families, and their communities. This can be done by taking part in commemorative community events, and reading, reflecting, and learning more about the history of residential schools and your role in reconciliation.
