ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ recognizes the following message about honouring the Survivors of residential schools and their families may Ìýbe an unwelcome reminder for those who suffered generations of harm through government policies and decisions toward Indigenous peoples. If you need someone to talk to, please connect withÌý the National Residential School Crisis line anytime toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.
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Dear students, faculty, staff and friends,
September 30 marks the second National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a time for Canadians to honour the Survivors of residential schools and to ensure the public commemoration of their painful history and legacy remains essential to ongoing reconciliation efforts. ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ University will close it campuses on Friday, September 30 and I encourage everyone to take time during the day to begin or continue your awareness of the history and impact of residential schools, and to advance your understanding and compassion for reconciliation and healing .
On October 1, we celebrate Treaty Day to honour the spirit and significance of the 1752 Treaty of Friendship and Peace, and to help us commemorate the beliefs, rights and values of Indigenous peoples and the special relationship they have with the Crown. Saturday is also the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia, a special time each year to recognize the history, culture and contributions of the Mi’kmaq people. As we do throughout the year, we reaffirm that we are all in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaqÌýNation, and we remember that we are all treaty people.
I encourage students, faculty and staff to visit Aghalingiak’s (Zoe Ohokannoak)’ on exhibit at the Treaty Space Gallery (1107 Marginal Rd.) until November 10.
You can learn more about the events happening in our community and resources to help to commemorate National Truth and Reconciliation Day .
My very best to you all,
Peggy Shannon, PhD, MFA
President
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ University