SSC Closed September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, St. Stephen’s College will be closed, and all courses cancelled, on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of remembrance, and an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the intergenerational harm caused by the Indian Residential School system. This is a new statutory holiday in Canada, and St. Stephen’s College will observe it every year from 2021 onward.
There are many ways to reflect and remember this week. Here are a few:
- Wear an Orange Shirt! Many across St. Stephen’s College and the University of Alberta will be wearing orange shirts this Wednesday (Sept. 29) and/or Thursday (Sept. 30). We wear orange to honour and remember the experiences and loss of the thousands of children who were stolen from their families and placed in residential schools.
- Educate Yourself: One of the best ways to reflect and remember is to better educate yourself about the need for Truth and Reconciliation. Spend some time exploring the website of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, or read some of the University of Alberta’s stories and information about the importance of this new national holiday.
- Read a book by an indigenous author.
- (Re)Commit Yourself to Action! Review the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and commit yourself to at least one of them.
- Watch Online Events such as those hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Connect with your Indigenous friends and family, or reach out to local organizations that work with indigenous communities.