National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is not just another day off but rather a day to reflect and educate ourselves on our responsibilities to truth and reconciliation.  

When Le Estcwicwéý (the missing) were discovered at Tk’emlúps Residential School, members of the USask community placed orange ribbons around campus as a way of committing to honouring truth and reconciliation. During the second year of the project, the orange ribbons were collected and prepared.   The third year offered the opportunity for staff and faculty to come together in their journeys of truth, reconciliation and decolonization . Units across campus have worked together to weave and sew these ribbons into star blankets, a symbol of honour and healing. As part of the Week of Reflection, these blankets have been framed and will be displayed at prominent locations around campus. There is a QR code next to each blanket to provide the viewer with information about the project.  

In addition to the Blanket Project being completed in its fourth year, we have the rare opportunity to welcome 37 Māori guests from Aotearoa (New Zealand) to the university for a week of cultural exchange and education. The delegation includes Elders, 20 youth, Massey University students, teachers, and chaperones. The youth are from two high schools in the southern part of the North Island: Mana Tamariki from Palmerston North and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Nga Mokopuna in Wellington. Both schools are Māori language and culture immersion schools in which all students are taught solely in te reo Māori (Māori language). This important relationship will provide our guests the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous cultures and histories, demonstrate reciprocity, and learn about the significance of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The group will be performing in rally alley prior to today’s Huskie football game (Friday, September 27), as well as at halftime during the game. The Māori guests will be interacting with several groups across campus and Indigenous communities surrounding Saskatoon. 

I encourage each member of the university community to take time this week and next to reflect, participate in dialogue with colleagues and family, and commit to truth and reconciliation. Find ways to weave reconciliation into your daily work at USask; change begins with small steps. I encourage each unit on campus to reach out to the Office of the Vice Provost, Indigenous Engagement and invite our team to share ohpahotān | oohpaahotaan, the University of Saskatchewan Indigenous Strategy. The work of uplifting ohpahotān | oohpaahotaan is the responsibility of each and every member of the university community. Together, we can make the University of Saskatchewan a safe and accountable place for all Indigenous people. 

In solidarity, 

Dr. Angela Jaime
Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement