Since 2021, September 30 has been recognized as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. This day is dedicated to honouring the children of residential schools, including those who never returned home, survivors, their families and communities. Part of Seneca Polytechnic’s path towards reconciliation requires a commemoration of this painful history and the ongoing legacy residential schools have on Indigenous communities.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, which acknowledges the legacy of the residential school system while honouring the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools across Canada. This movement was developed by Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of residential schools.
Under the call and responsibility to ensure Every Child Matters, and as part of our collective commitment to ensure Indigenous children and survivors of residential schools are cared for, we encourage all Seneca students and employees to learn more about the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
We hope you will join us by wearing an orange shirt, attending the events that we have listed below, and exploring the resources and initiatives that we have curated.
Date: Monday, Sept. 30
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Meeting Place, Level 3, CITE (Building K), Newnham Campus (watch livestream)
Join the Seneca Polytechnic community for a ceremony of commemoration that will start at The Meeting Place and conclude at Odeyto.
From 2 to 2:30 p.m., this event will also be livestreamed at:
Following the ceremony, there will be a reception in Odeyto (Room E1401). Please join First Peoples@Seneca and President Agnew for reflection and refreshments in this important space.
Stop by the cafeteria at Newnham Campus from Sept. 25 to 30 to celebrate Indigenous culture through cuisine. With specialized training on Indigenous culinary techniques, Seneca Dining Services is able to offer a special menu available for purchase. All proceeds from the purchases will go toward the Peggy Pitawanakwat Indigenous Bursary.
The Campus Store is selling orange t-shirts at all campuses and online from Sept. 23 to 30.
This year's shirt features artwork from Saulteaux Métis artist, Madison Pascal. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go toward survivors of residential schools.
Supporting Indigenous students pursuing postsecondary education at Seneca is crucial to ensuring equitable access to funding and opportunities. Help support the Peggy Pitawanakwat Indigenous Bursary here.
Seneca Libraries have a selection of online educational resources to help you learn more about the history of residential schools in Canada, as well as truth and reconciliation. Review the suggested books and films to build more awareness on the significance of September 30, you are also welcome to share resources with your peers and colleagues.
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: Call 1-866-925-4419 (open 24/7)
Your session has expired. You are being logged out.