SACKVILLE, NB — To recognize the significance of Truth and Reconciliation Day, Mount Allison University, in partnership with local Indigenous communities and the Town of Sackville, will hold a series of on campus and virtual events and activities Sept. 26 – Oct. 1, 2021.

“Working towards decolonization needs to be a collaborative approach and is a commitment we have enacted in a series of University initiatives following Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Reports,” says University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jean-Paul Boudreau. “Mount Allison’s Indigenous Affairs Office and the Indigenous Student Support Group have co-ordinated a number of events and presentations to provide all of us with an opportunity for true reflection. I would like to thank these individuals for their work and guidance as we collectively continue on the path towards reconciliation.”

Events are listed at mta.ca/indigenous and mta.ca/events. Health and safety measures will be in place at all events: masks are required indoors on campus and for some outside activities; proof of vaccination will be required for indoor events as per GNB Public Health regulations. Individuals should carry a mask with them at all times and adhere to other measures including physical distancing, handwashing, and staying home if ill. Please check the above links in case of any cancellations or change of venue before attending.

“Engaging the entire University community in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation is the only way we will ever see the Calls to Action implemented,” says Patty Musgrave-Quinn, Mount Allison’s Indigenous Affairs Co-ordinator. “As our students graduate and move forward in their lives, they will take the Calls to Action with them and do their part to ensure this country makes the TRC priority; Indigenous people KNOW what needs to be done, now we share this knowledge with the community to help see it through.”

University community members are encouraged to wear orange throughout the week to show support for families affected by Canada’s residential school system and honour the children who did not return home. #EveryChildMatters car decals are available at the University Bookstore with a portion of the proceeds going to Mi’kmaq Child and Family in Fort Folly First Nation.

Community activities and events include:
 
We Were Children Documentary Screening
Sunday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m.
Vogue Theatre, (9 Bridge St., Sackville)
 
In partnership with the Town of Sackville, there will be a viewing of the documentary We Were Children, which shares the story of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools through the eyes of two children. Free of charge. Mature content, emotional support will be available on site.
 
Sweat Lodge Ceremony — POSTPONED, NEW DATE TO BE DETERMINED
Monday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m.
Indigenous Ceremonial Space, Mount Allison campus, 76 York St.

Open to Mount Allison community (students, faculty, staff) only. Pre-registration is required by e-mailing pmusgrave@mta.ca by Friday, Sept. 24 as space is limited.
 
Orange Hand Prints
Tuesday, Sept. 28 and Wednesday, Sept. 29, 12-5 p.m.
Indigenous Ceremonial Space, Mount Allison campus, 76 York St.
 
Open to all students, faculty, and staff to come to place an orange hand print on the tipi to recognize the children who did not make it home.  
 
Elder William Nevin
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m. 
Convocation Hall, 37 York St.

The President’s Speakers Series begins with Mi’kmaw Ceremonial Elder William Nevin of Elsipogtog First Nation. Masks are required for audience members. Proof of vaccination will be required for entry as per GNB Public Health regulations.
 
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Thursday, Sept. 30
 
No classes and University offices are closed for a day of reflection and to honour all the families whose lives were changed forever due to the impact of residential schools.
 
A Sweat Lodge Ceremony will also be held on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Indigenous Ceremonial Space on campus, 76 York Street. The ceremony is by pre-registration only, open to Mount Allison students, faculty, and staff. Participants must be fully-vaccinated and be free of drugs and alcohol for at least four days prior to the ceremony. Pre-register by e-mailing pmusgrave@mta.ca by Wednesday, Sept. 29.