Truth and Reconciliation events on the UPEI campus
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, originally and still colloquially known as Orange Shirt Day, is a statutory holiday to recognize the legacy of the Canadian Indian residential school system.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
A number of events have been taking place on the UPEI campus to commemorate this important day (read more). Below are upcoming events from September 27–30. UPEI students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate, learn more, and wear orange.
Award-winning film "Bones of Crows" screening
September 27 at 6:00 pm, Room 242 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall
The Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre is pleased to present the screening of the film, “Bones of Crows.” Every post-secondary institution in the Atlantic region (also known as the Wabanaki Confederacy) with an Indigenous centre is participating, and members of the audience will be given the opportunity to ask questions or reflect on the film collectively. The location for the screening is Room 242 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall. It will begin at 6:00 pm and conclude at 8:00 pm, followed by light refreshments.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
September 29 at 12:00 pm, UPEI Quadrangle in front of SDU Main Building
All members of the UPEI community are invited to gather at 12 noon in front of SDU Main Building—rain or shine—to reflect, offer prayer, and listen about the importance of Truth and Reconciliation and watch a brief drum and dance presentation by Big Drum (NCPEI Language and Drumming Group) and Dancers Sophia and Ellie Bourge-Youth. Elder Dr. Judy Clark, UPEI's Elder in Residence, will say a prayer and speak on Truth and Reconciliation. Native Council of PEI President and Chief Lisa Cooper will also speak. People will be encouraged to tie orange fabric strips to the fence near the University Avenue entrance. The event will conclude at 1:00 pm.
KAIROS Mass Blanket Exercise, presented by the Native Council of PEI
September 30 at 1:00 pm, UPEI Quadrangle in front of W.A. Murphy Student Centre
The Native Council of PEI proudly presents the KAIROS Mass Blanket Exercise—the Indigenous Rights history we’ve never been taught—on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, 2023. The event will begin at 1:00 pm in the UPEI quadrangle (rain location: McMillan Hall at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre).
A feast after the Blanket Exercise will take place in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre concourse. Attendance is open to the public—attendees are encouraged to bring their own blanket.
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is a program of KAIROS Canada, an ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights around the globe.
