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Office for Aboriginal Peoples

Office for Aboriginal Peoples / SFU Reconciliation / 2023 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
SFU's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation graphic is a subtle expression of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing), a guiding principle developed by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall that recognizes better outcomes are more likely if we bring two or more perspectives into collaboration. The design was developed between SFU designers and the Office for Aboriginal Peoples. The image suggests Western perspective (SFU’s AQ) in partnership with the Indigenous perspective (Longhouse facade) to advance Truth and Reconciliation.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th marks the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a time for reflection and a time to come together in the spirit of reconciliation, and to honour those who have been impacted by Canada’s residential school system.

SFU’s events and activities to commemorate Orange Shirt Day will take place during the weeks of September 23 and September 30 across our three campuses. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange during this time to pay respect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.

Upholding truth and reconciliation is also one of SFU's new strategic priorities. Learn more about What's Next for truth and reconciliation at SFU.

We call on all of us who are settlers on these lands to deepen your understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, to participate in initiatives happening across the university and consider what commitments you can make and actions you can take to advance reconciliation.

Here are some ways for you to get involved:

Attend an event:

Faculty Reading Circle - Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies by Jo Chrona
Fall 2023 Semester | Centre for Educational Excellence

Join faculty and colleagues in teaching roles as we launch a new reading circle for the fall term. We’ll meet weekly online for reflection, question and discussion in response to the book: Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies -An Act for Reconciliation and Anti-Racist Education by Jo Chrona. This group is suitable for those beginning their journey in decolonial teaching as well as those looking to continue on this path with a shared community.

Indigenizing Engineering Curriculum
September 27 | Faculty of Applied Sciences

Join the School of Sustainable Energy Engineering (SEE) for the latest SEE Dialogue event in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event will include a panel discussion on Indigenizing engineering curriculum and will feature a diversity of Indigenous perspectives and experiences.

Orange Shirt Day at Holland Park
September 27 | Surrey Campus Administration, Office of Aboriginal Peoples, Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee

Come together to honour survivors of the residential school system, their families, and to remember those who did not return. Hosted by the Surrey Urban Indigenous Leadership Committee (SUILC) & Skookum Surrey, the event will foster dialogue and learning about BC’s colonial history and how it continues to impact Indigenous communities today.

SFU Science Indigenous Speaker Series
September 27 | SFU Science

Hannes Edinger discusses how much of the value in our society is not traded in the market. While markets are useful for the allocation of scarce resources with certain attributes, they fail in important ways. We can, and should, learn from Indigenous values and worldviews to help address these failures. Edinger is an award-winning economist, a member of the Métis Nation, and the Managing Director of Big River Analytics.

Read and listen to Indigenous stories:

Show your support:

Orange shirts available at SFU

  • SFU’s Vancouver Campus will be offering orange shirts by donation to honour those affected by Canada’s residential school system. Students, staff, and faculty can pick up their shirts at our office in Harbour Centre, room 2000 until Friday, September 27. All proceeds will go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. 

Zoom backgrounds

Download a Zoom background:

Get connected:

  • Reflect upon the Orange Shirt Day flags with the “Every Child Matters” emblem which will be displayed at half-mast at the Burnaby and Vancouver campuses from Sept 25 to Oct 2.
  • Connect with the Indigenous Student Centre to learn more about Orange Shirt Day, and download digital assets such as Zoom backgrounds. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for their Orange Shirt Day campaign.
  • Register for San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, a unique, facilitated on-line training program designed to increase knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and strengthen the skills, available to both SFU faculty and staff.
  • Learn about reconciliation and decolonization with Nahanee Creative’s on-demand workshops, founded by SFU alumnus Michelle Nahanee.

Access resources:

Learning resources

Mental health supports

The findings of the unmarked graves at former residential school sites and hidden and difficult truths have been revealed this past year. Supports are available for those who are navigating trauma.

Students:

Faculty and staff:

Community:

  • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is available at 1-800-721-0066, along with a 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-925-4419 for those who need immediate support.
  • The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides an Indigenous-specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.
  • The First Nations Health Authority offers support specifically for survivors and families who have been directly impacted by the Indian residential school system.

To add an event, initiative, resource to this page please connect with alyssa_quan@sfu.ca