September 30, 2021
Dear Bloomberg Nursing faculty, staff, and students,
September 30 will mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember with solemnity, the devastating legacy of residential schools and their impact on Indigenous peoples.
For many years Indigenous people have taken on the burden of educating non-Indigenous people about the atrocities of the residential school system and about the support needed for survivors. In addressing one of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, September 30 is a day for us further educate ourselves and reflect on the trauma Indigenous People’s have suffered while being mindful of the ways in which we can advocate for change.
September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the children who were taken into the residential school system, those who survived and those who did not. Individuals are invited to wear an orange shirt in recognition of those children, and to spend time learning about the 94 calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation report.
The University of Toronto will be recognizing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and I encourage you to consider taking part in some of the events listed below.
September 30 @ 2:00 PM – Orange Shirt Day – University of Toronto – virtual event
September 30 @ 12:00 PM – Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day: Garden on McCaul Presentation – Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health – virtual event
Resources are available for you to learn more about the history of Indigenous people and the impact of the residential school system. Please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
Sincerely,
Linda Johnston, PhD FEANS FCAHS FAAN
Dean, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing
University of Toronto