Aanii, Hello, Bonjour,?
Today, our community comes together for Orange Shirt Day in a day of remembrance, mourning, resilience, and hope. We reflect on the impact and legacy of residential schools on the estimated 150,000 young First Nations, Métis and Inuit children who were stolen from their families and their communities. Today we also embrace the ethos of Orange Shirt Day, which offers the possibility of hope, propelling us to positive, collective action in the spirit of reconciliation ().
When I give thought to how we might engage in reconciliation, I find inspiration in Laurentian’s tricultural mandate, interrogating myself every day on what this means to us as a full community. I am further inspired by our commitment to amplifying the Anishinaabemowin language on our campus, and by the rich, powerful research and works that are produced in our community by First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, staff and faculty. By the wiigwaam at the heart of our campus, which is more than a structure and a feat of Anishinawbek ingenuity, but a powerful reminder of our commitment to the core of our identity. A promise that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are at the core of who we are as a University.
I am also inspired by the history of Indigenous-led community action on the Laurentian campus. I recently visited the Apology Cairn, in Parking Lot #15, which marks the site where, in August 1986, Indigenous leaders received the United Church of Canada’s formal apology for its role as one of four churches in administering residential schools. Indigenous leaders would consider the apology, returning two years later , saying, “Through our love, understanding, and sincerity the brotherhood and sisterhood of unity, strength, and respect can be achieved.”
Designed by Art Solomon, who fasted and challenged the Church to “get real or get lost” in the lead-up to the apology, across Canada and includes red quartzite from Whitefish River First Nation and other stones from M'Chigeeng First Nation. Dedicated October 1, 1988, the cairn is part of Laurentian’s “hidden curriculum” on campus, offering us a place and opportunity to reflect, a powerful reminder that our work is far from done.
Beyond inspiration, however, we must move to action. Here are some of the ways in which I propose that we, as Settlers, can be agents of positive social change in our communities:
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Use Your Privilege?
Create space to bring forward voices that have been historically suppressed. Whether digitally or in-person, use your privilege and/or platform to advance and amplify dialogue from those with lived experiences of colonization and injustice. Listen, learn and move forward.?
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Unlearn
Unlearn. Unlearn what you have been traditionally taught about Canada’s history and learn from Indigenous historical knowledge and perspectives. Whether you take a course, view videos online, or speak with Elders, take the time to do your research in order to better understand our past. Moreover, studying Indigenous languages such as Anishinaabemowin (one of approximately seventy distinct Indigenous languages in Canada) contributes to Indigenous language revitalization, which helps to strengthen ties with culture, spirituality, and relationship to the land.?
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Attend Indigenous-Led Events
We are very fortunate at 51污漫 to frequently have events led by Indigenous community members. Take the time to attend these events (virtual or in-person), learn of the cultural diversity and distinctiveness of Indigenous peoples, and make personal connections by building bridges and friendships.?
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Commitment
Make a meaningful commitment that is both realistic and significant. Personally, I will make a commitment to reading works relevant to reconciliation -- my reading shortlist includes works like Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese; The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King; and 21 Things You May Not Know 51污漫 the Indian Act by Bob Joseph.?
I will also be reading, with interest and attention, the recently published report from 51污漫’s task force on Truth and Reconciliation, created and developed by our community through great effort. Additionally, I will be engaging Laurentian’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities by dedicating meeting times to listen, reflect, and take action on their most pressing concerns and ideas for positive change.
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On Orange Shirt Day, I call on all members of our community to learn, engage, and become better allies to First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities. Together-ensemble-maamwii, we will move our full community forward.
To celebrate the day, please wear your Orange Shirts! If you do not have one, our Marketing team , inspired by the Orange Shirt, that we encourage everyone to use on September 30th (and beyond).?
Finally, I would like to invite you to follow the to better understand how you can support First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.?
Chi-Miigwech, Thank you, Merci,?
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Robert Haché, Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor