Mount Allison marks Truth and Reconciliation Week – Sept. 26-30
SACKVILLE, NB — Mount Allison University will hold a series of educational activities and initiatives leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
“Students and staff, as well as community members have brought together a super line-up of events and opportunities to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mount Allison and in the wider community,” says Patty Musgrave-Quinn, Indigenous Affairs Co-ordinator at Mount Allison University. “Along with taking time for reflection, it’s important for everyone to learn more about this part of Canada’s history and take action toward reconciliation.”
The University will be closed on Friday, Sept. 30 for a day of reflection. University offices will be closed and no classes or events will be held.
All events are open to the Mount Allison community but some require pre-registration, noted below. Masks are mandatory indoors on campus and individuals are required to bring their own mask.
Events include:
Talk by Mount Allison Elder-in-Residence William Nevin
Tweedie Hall, Wallace McCain Student Centre
Sept. 26 4-6 p.m.
Topics will include Indian Residential Schools
We Were Children
Crabtree Auditorium
Sept. 27, 4 p.m.
Community viewing of We Were Children, an emotional and profoundly moving film about the impact of the Canadian Government on Indigenous children in the Indian Residential School System as seen through the eyes of two children forced to endure so many devastating hardships.
Blanket Exercise for Mount Allison Faculty and Staff
Academic Quad
Sept. 28, 1-4 p.m.
The Blanket Exercise is based on using Indigenous methodologies and the goal is to build understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. E-mail pmusgrav@mta.ca to register.
Sweat Lodge Ceremony
Indigenous Ceremonial Gathering Space
Sept. 29, 4 p.m.
Open to Mount Allison students, faculty, and staff. Pre-registration is required to ensure there is enough space. Please do so by e-mailing Patty Musgrave-Quinn at pmusgrav@mta.ca
Once you register, protocols will be provided to attend the Sweat. Participants cannot consume drugs or alcohol four days prior to the ceremony.
NOTE: The Oct. 4 Sisters in Spirit Vigil has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.
Sisters in Spirit Vigil
Indigenous Ceremonial Gathering Space
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m.
In remembrance and recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBTQ and Two-Spirited individuals, a Sacred fire and drumming will take place. Open to all members of the Mount Allison community and individuals are encouraged to wear red in honour of those missing and murdered. In the event of rain, we will gather in the Mawita’mkw. Bring your drum and join Joan Milliea and Patty Musgrave-Quinn for songs to honour the Missing and Murdered.
Members of the Mount Allison community are encouraged to wear orange throughout the week to show their support for and commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirts are available to purchase at the Mount Allison Bookstore with a portion of the proceeds going towards the Indigenous Students Support Group on campus.
