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.
Seneca is committed to providing resources, initiatives and programming to engage in learning and calls to action to advance Canada's Truth and Reconciliation process.
Check out this initiative from the Reconciliation & Inclusion team. Field Notes offers a collection of resources that the R&I team has personally engaged with, reflected on and found meaningful in their own learning. This edition is specific for National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and aims to deepen awareness and support inclusive practice.
Read Field Notes
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.
Check the Resources
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Indigenous Menu at the Cafeteria
Stop by the cafeteria at King, Newnham and Seneca@York campuses from Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 2 to celebrate Indigenous culture through cuisine. Seneca Dining Services is offering a leek encrusted chicken leg with wild rice pilaf and roasted carrots & bean medley, specially designed by chef Nancy, for purchase.
Wear an Orange Shirt Day
We encourage all members of the Seneca community to wear an orange shirt on September 30 to honour reconciliation. It is a commemoration towards the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and an affirmation that 'Every Child Matters.' You can wear any orange shirt to participate.
To honour both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Seneca's bookstore works with Indigenous artists to design and sell orange t-shirts. All proceeds from the sales are donated to Indigenous charities, such as Orange Shirt Society.
Purchase your Orange Shirt
The Survivors' Flag is a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience and will be up at Newnham, S@Y and King Campus on September 30. It was developed through consultation and collaboration with Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway, Dakota, Mohawk, Dene, Nuu-chah-nulth, Secwepemc and Métis Nation Survivors. The elements of the flag include family figures, the seeds below the ground, the tree of peace, cedar branch, cosmic symbolism, Métis sash, eagle feather, and inuksuit, representing children who never returned, families torn apart and the resilience of Survivors. Flying this flag is a commitment to remembrance, healing and the ongoing path toward truth and reconciliation.
Seneca Community Indigenous AwardSeneca has established the Community Indigenous Award to ensure our Indigenous students have access to the education and support that can help them achieve their dreams and build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
This award supports full-time Indigenous students who are engaged in the Indigenous student community at Seneca.
Donate to the Seneca Community Indigenous Award
Peggy Pitawanakwat Indigenous Endowed BursaryCreated in honour of Peggy’s 12 years of dedication at Seneca, this bursary supports full-time First Nations, Metis or Inuit students with financial need. Peggy was a valued member of the First Peoples team whose care and guidance helped hundreds of students succeed.
Donate to Peggy's Bursary
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