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 22 until Sept. 30. The University will also be closed on Tuesday, 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.
“As we mark 10 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, we reflect on the progress made, and the work that lies ahead,” said Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Chantal Fiola. “While this week shines a spotlight on these efforts, Reconciliation is ongoing. I extend a heartfelt miigwetch to those already engaged and invite others to join in. We will continue to do this work in honour of, and with the strength from, Survivors, Elders, and all our relations.”
Monday, September 22
Survivors’ flag raising
UWinnipeg will be raising the Survivors’ flag in front of Wesley Hall at 10:00 a.m. Designed by Survivors with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Survivors’ flag honours all the lives and communities impacted by residential school. Hosted by Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement, Dr. Chantal Fiola, with remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Todd Mondor and Dr. Mary Jane McCallum. Special guest Wayne Mason, from the Southern Chiefs Organization, will share information about their upcoming walk and pow wow. Hosted by the Office of Indigenous Engagement.
Orange steel cut-outs in the shape of T-shirts will also be installed on the front lawn of campus on Monday, September 22 and again on September 29. This installation was created by local artist Kendra Gierys.
This Place: Craft & Cast Launch
In the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, join us for the launch of the Library’s monthly podcast and craft club! Bring your craft of choice (beading, coulouring, knitting, sewing, crochet, etc.) and participate in: a talk from Métis scholar Celiese Lypka about embodied learning/kitchen table pedagogy; listen to the first episode of CBC’s This Place: 150 Years Retold podcast (E1: Annie of Red River); and a mediated discussion.
11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1A02 Classroom. Please register, but walk-ins are welcome.
Tuesday, September 23
Orange shirt giveaway
Come to The Hive between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. where UWSA and Indigenous Engagement will be giving away 500 orange shirts to the campus community. This year’s shirt features artwork by Micaela Gilbert, Anishinaabe artist from Sagkeeng First Nation.
Everyone is welcome to wear their orange shirts throughout the week.
Wednesday, September 24
Nish virtual reality film table
See a collection of six short VR films, William, in Riddell Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. William is a six-part series, approximately seven minutes each. It tells the story of a nine-year-old torn from his family in 1960 and placed by force in one of Canada’s 139 Indian residential schools. A wellness worker will also be available for anyone experiencing heavy emotions after watching the series. Presented by the Collegiate, Indigenous Engagement, and Nish Media.
Thursday, September 25
Lux et Veritas: Shedding Light and Truth on the University of Winnipeg’s History with the Indian Residential School System
This talk explores Obligation 39 of the 2024 Final Report of the Independent Special Interlocutor on Missing Children and Unmarked Burials, which calls on universities to investigate their complicity in the Indian Residential School system and make reparations. The presentation will examine connections between residential schools and The University of Winnipeg and its founding colleges, highlighting the ongoing responsibility to address these harms.
Monday, September 29
Bruce McIvor fireside chat and book signing
Come to Convocation Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a discussion with Bruce McIvor about his latest book Indigenous Rights in One Minute with Sheila North, followed by a signing. The campus bookstore will be there selling his books. Registration is required.
Bruce McIvor is the founder and senior partner at First Peoples Law LLP and an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s Allard School of Law. He is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and lives in Vancouver, BC.
Tuesday, 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.
Join the Orange Shirt Day Walk and Pow Wow
The Southern Chiefs Organization (SCO) has taken over the organizing duties for Winnipeg’s popular annual Orange Shirt Day Walk and Pow Wow, set to take place at the RBC Convention Centre on September 30. The Office of Indigenous Engagement is assisting with volunteer recruitment for this year’s walk and pow wow. We are looking for volunteers for various roles and shifts throughout the day. SCO will manage scheduling of volunteers and will reach out to you directly. We encourage students, staff, faculty, and alumni to volunteer their time in support of Indigenous-led initiatives and community events. Your presence and contributions are part of the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Let’s show up with humility, compassion, and commitment. Volunteering is one small but impactful way we can honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and the children who never came home, and build relationships rooted in truth and respect. Sign up now.
The Indigenous Students Services Centre (ISSC) is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ISSC provides a safe, culturally supportive space for Indigenous students. The National Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 Hours, 7 Days a week at 1-866-925-4419.
