In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the University of Alberta will be closed for regular operations and there will be no classes on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
September 30 coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools. The date reflects the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. The orange shirt symbolizes the experiences and abuse suffered by children at residential schools after Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, shared the story of her first day going to school on the Dog Creek reserve in British Columbia.
Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is part of the University of Alberta’s commitment to the vital process of reconciliation. I invite all members of our university community not only to wear your orange but to also use the day to learn and reflect on the history and ongoing legacy of the Indian residential school system, to remember those who lost their lives and to commemorate survivors. On September 30, let us recognize the continued impacts of colonialism in Canada, and think of the actions each of us can take on our shared journey of reconciliation.
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor