Having only been federalized relatively recently on September 30, 2021, Truth & Reconciliation Day is a newcomer to Canada’s statutory holiday scene.
What is Truth & Reconciliation Day?
Born out of an Indigenous grassroots movement, known to some as Orange Shirt Day, this nascent holiday serves as a formal acknowledgment by the Canadian government of its imperialist past. It illuminates a dark and dreary chapter in Canada’s storied history that used to be regarded as merely a footnote. For some, this light has been blinding.
Reconciling with the notion that the Canadian government facilitated a residential school system within its borders that resulted in the degradation and death of countless indigenous youths is no small feat. Such a solemn idea asks Canadians to reevaluate their entire sense of national pride and identity. It asks Canadians to completely reconsider what it means to be a Canadian.
However, while challenging, this is an invaluable undertaking. With time, this reconciliatory process will hopefully enable Canadians to make amends with Indigenous communities. In the spirit of this bright future, many Canadian public and private institutions have begun to work towards reconciliation.
Local Events
Out of a desire to contribute to this ongoing attempt to reconcile with Indigenous communities around Canada, the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton and Saint John campuses have been hosting annual events on Truth & Reconciliation Day for the last two years. This year is no exception. For this year’s ceremony, there will be an event on the Fredericton campus on Saturday from 9:15 A.M to 12:30 P.M.
The UNB President’s Office has stated that this event will serve “to honour the survivors of residential schools and to commemorate the children who did not return home.” It will consist of a series of speeches and ruminations on Canadian-Indigenous history and culture.
This ceremony will be livestreamed at the UNB’s Saint John campus in its Ganong Hall Lecture Theatre. This will allow UNB Saint John students to take part in the event as well. The Indigenous cultural practice of smudging, which consists of the burning of sacred herbs, will also be done on both campuses so, students can experience Indigenous culture firsthand. In addition, after the ceremony, on both campuses, orange paper hearts will be provided to attendees so, they can write about and document their experience.
Todd Ross, UNB Saint John’s Indigenous Advisor, explained that “this is a tremendous opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and to be an ally towards reconciliation.”
At the end of the day, all UNB students attend university for the express purpose of broadening their understanding. As cliché as that may sound, it is the truth. So, to pass up the kind of learning opportunity that UNB’s Truth & Reconciliation Day ceremony affords students is likely the most egregious form of academic hypocrisy that one can commit. Something to keep in mind if you were hesitant to attend.
Another local event available for students looking to honour Truth & Reconciliation Day is the City of Saint John’s annual Healing Walk. It is held on Truth & Reconciliation Day and will begin this year at 1:00 P.M at the mouth of the Great Canadian Trail in Rockwood Park. Indigenous elders will be in attendance to educate walkers on Indigenous culture and history.
Thanks to the fortuitous timing of the event, one could even attend UNB Saint John’s ceremony and then still attend the Healing Walk. So really, there is no excuse, as a UNB Saint John student, or anyone really, to not attend at least one, if not all of these enlightening events.
Final notes
Events like those hosted by UNB Saint John serve as symbols of a brighter and better future where the Canadian government will work hand in hand with Indigenous communities. Students should especially consider attending since they will play a major role in this united future. The potential benefit of the cultural experience one could attain at these events far outweighs the cost of a couple hours of their time.
