National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Take part in these events
Sept. 21, 2022
Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to reflect on and commemorate the painful legacy of Canada’s residential schools. It’s also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Here at Georgian, we recognize reconciliation is the collective and individual responsibility of all of us – on Sept. 30 and every day.
With support from Indigenous Services, Visiting Elders, Indigenous community partners, and departments across the college, we’ve organized several events leading up to Sept. 30. Below we’ve listed activities open to the entire Georgian community; there are others happening in individual program areas and classes not listed here.
Please check back frequently as more events may be added or updated.
Every Child Matters flag raisings
Please join us for flag raisings at Georgian’s campuses in the days leading up to Sept. 30.
These are happening in person at the flagpoles in front of our campuses, except in Barrie where the flag raising will take place at the Georgian Cenotaph, in front of C building.
Barrie Campus
Monday, Sept. 26
9 a.m., refreshments to follow in Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre
Midland Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 27
10 a.m.
Muskoka Campus
Monday, Sept. 26
11 a.m.
Orangeville Campus
Monday, Sept. 26
Noon
Orillia Campus
Monday, Sept. 26
11 a.m., refreshments to follow in Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre
Owen Sound Campus
Monday, Sept. 26
11 a.m., light lunch to follow in Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre
South Georgian Bay Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Noon
Custom Every Child Matters backgrounds
We created two custom Every Child Matters backgrounds – in orange and blue – that you’re welcome to use in your Microsoft Teams video calls and meetings.
They’re available for use in the Teams app under Apply background effects.
Please note: These are being centrally loaded again for those new to Georgian or who may have deleted last year.
Every Child Matters T-shirts for sale
Purchase an Every Child Matters orange T-shirt.
The shirts were purchased from an Orange Shirt Society premier partner and are being sold at cost. $10 goes directly back to the society.
- Price: $20
- Sizes: S to 3XL
- Where:
- Orillia Campus GCSA office and at rock painting events listed below
- Midland Campus front desk
- When: Weekdays until Sept. 30, while supplies last
You can also buy an orange shirt online (or in person) from Georgian Stores.
A Path Toward Reconciliation, with guest speaker Senator Gwen Boniface
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1 to 2 p.m.
Senator Gwen Boniface was appointed to the Senate of Canada on Nov. 10, 2016. Her work in the Senate includes past membership on the Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples. Prior to Senator Boniface’s appointment, she was the first female Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
Senator Boniface has initiated a Truth and Reconciliation project in her home community of Orillia that
continues to evolve.
Please join us for this engaging session where she will share some of her career experiences and
discuss her views on the path to reconciliation.
Everyone is welcome!
Debwewin miinwaa Naaskodaadiwin Miikaans/Truth and Reconciliation Trail
Grab a brush and paint rocks orange to line the walking trail behind Georgian’s Orillia Campus.
The orange rocks symbolize the lives lost at Canada’s residential schools, and the trail remains in place as an all-season reminder of the ongoing journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.
Painting the rocks and button making
- Front of Georgian’s Orillia Campus
- Monday, Sept. 26, noon to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sign unveiling event
- Meet at the trail head in parking lot 2
- Friday, Sept. 30
- 1 to 3 p.m., light refreshments to follow
More on-campus activities
Stop by the Orillia Campus library to see a display of resources.
Owen Sound Campus: Visit the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre to view a display that depicts Visiting Elder Shirley John’s time at a Spanish residential school. Orange shirt cutouts and markers will be available so you can write messages of hope and love. They’ll be posted in the centre after for people to read.
Barrie Campus: Come to a lunch and learn from noon to 1 p.m. in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre led by Niwjiagans (peer mentors).
Muskoka Campus: Attend one of two screenings of the short film Holy Angels (11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.), followed by a session on the importance of smudging. Between the screenings, there will be lunch and discussion about the Medicine Wheel.
Orangeville Campus: Join a workshop on felt moccasin making (child sizes). Stop by the front atrium from noon to 1 p.m.
Orillia Campus: Participate in orange shirt beading with light refreshments from noon to 2 p.m. RSVP required. More information available via the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre.
Midland Campus: Come to a lunch and learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre.
Muskoka Campus: Attend a screening of the short film Holy Angels at noon, followed by a session on the importance of smudging or the Medicine Wheel, and a light lunch.
Owen Sound Campus: Hear from author Bomgiizhik Isaac Murdock at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Isaac will discuss his writing and Truth and Reconciliation. Please register in advance at info@library.osngulp.ca. Visit the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre for a chance to win his book The Trail of Nenaboozhoo.
6 ways to honour reconciliation beyond Sept. 30
1. 4 Seasons of Reconciliation
This course is aimed at empowering people to educate themselves to develop a renewed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples through transformative multi-media learning.
2. Participate in Indigenous knowledge-sharing sessions
These are hosted by Georgian’s Indigenous Services and are open to all Georgian employees and students. Upcoming sessions will be promoted through the employee and student portals and the college’s social media. For all Georgian events, visit our events calendar.
3. Participate in activities outside the college
Check out events hosted by local Indigenous friendship centres, Indigenous community groups, other institutions and organizations.
4. Hold team meetings to discuss Truth and Reconciliation
Not sure where to start? Explore resources on Georgian’s library website, including ones on what Indigenization is and why it’s important at the college.
5. Engage in Indigenous media
A great place to start is the Georgian library Indigenization page, where you can find lists of Indigenous videos and books to check out.
6. Familiarize yourself with Georgian’s online Indigenization resources
Not only can you find great book ideas at the library, but you can expand your knowledge with educational resources, traditional teachings, Indigenous history and government resources, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada documents, and more.
This post was originally published in September 2021 and updated in September 2022