National Day for Truth and Reconciliation named provincial statutory holiday

This message is sent on behalf of Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, vice-president people, equity, inclusion. It has been sent to all faculty and staff.

The B.C. government recently recognized September 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial statutory holiday.

As SFU has done for the previous two years, all classes will be cancelled and non-essential campus services suspended to mark this day. As September 30 falls on a Saturday in 2023, the date will be officially observed on Monday, October 2. University employees normally entitled to federal and provincial statutory holidays will receive this day off.

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, September 30 recognizes the tragic history of the residential school system in Canada, which continues to impact survivors, their families and communities to this day. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to wear orange during this time to pay respect and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities across Canada.

As a public institution, SFU is committed to upholding truth and reconciliation as an institutional priority, and recognizes the importance of officially honouring September 30 in partnership with Indigenous communities.

More information will be shared in the coming months about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and programming that will be held on campus.

Sincerely,

Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, PhD
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Vice President, People, Equity, Inclusion
Simon Fraser University