Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | MyNews | Seneca Students

TO: All students and employees
FROM: David Agnew, President
RE: Recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Saturday, Sept. 30, is a day of remembrance, action and learning.

September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day when the tragic history of residential schools and suffering they caused is recognized.

Seneca Polytechnic is holding two events in the days leading up to September 30 to mark this important day. As well, flags at Seneca, including an orange flag, will fly at half-mast to recognize the thousands of innocent Indigenous children who died at residential schools and missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women in Canada.

Kick-off for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Seneca@York Courtyard Grand Opening

On Thursday, Sept. 21, starting at 11 a.m., we will launch the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and host the Seneca@York Courtyard Grand Opening.

This event also celebrates the completion of the renovations over the summer at the Seneca@York Campus.

The official opening of the Courtyard will take place at 11 a.m. with remarks, light refreshments, music and a chance to connect with members of the Seneca community.

At 1 p.m., we will welcome Isaac Murdoch, the Indigenous artist who designed the beautiful mural titled “The Petition to the Water Spirits” on display in the courtyard. Mr. Murdoch will speak to the images in the mural and his inspiration on the design.

This event is being offered virtually and in person at the Seneca@York Campus Courtyard.

Register

“Truth Before Reconciliation: How to Identify and Confront Residential School Denialism” with Dr. Sean Carleton 

On Thursday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m., Dr. Sean Carleton, historian and assistant professor of history and Indigenous studies at the University of Manitoba, will discuss the role of residential school denialism in Canadian history and much more.

Registration is required. This event is being offered virtually.

Register

Orange Shirt and Virtual Backgrounds

In recognition of Orange Shirt Day, you can purchase a Seneca orange shirt designed by Quinn Hopkins. You can purchase an orange shirt at the Newnham Campus bookstore or online. Please wear orange on September 30 to honour the many children who never returned home from residential schools as well as survivors, their families and communities. 

Also available is a virtual background featuring Isaac Murdoch’s mural design.

Proceeds will go towards the Peggy Pitawanakwat Bursary.

In addition to these activities, I encourage you to pause and reflect and to also have conversations on the importance of truth and reconciliation in Canada.