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September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to one of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which calls for a day to “honour survivors, their families, and  communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” 

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, administrative offices will be closed and there will be no classes or labs on Monday, September 30.

an orange tshirt with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation emblem

September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day , which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.

Orange t-shirts are available for purchase at the Campus Store, with proceeds going to the Mikmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Members of the SMU community are encouraged to wear their orange shirts to campus on Friday, September 27, ahead of the September 30 closure.

Events on campus

Campus Reflection Walk

September 26, 2024
12-1 p.m.
Meet at the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre

Join Student Affairs and Services Associate Vice-President Tom Brophy for a Campus Reflection Walk as we come together to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are honoured to have Professor Raymond Sewell begin the walk with opening remarks and a traditional smudging ceremony. As we walk through campus, you will find posters with prompts for reflection and discussion, encouraging us all to examine our roles and responsibilities as Treaty people.

Orange background with text: Truth and Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

Reconciliation, what does it mean to you?

September 27, 2024
Loyola Colonnade

Stop by the Loyola Colonnade (across from Tim Horton’s) and share what reconciliation means to you. The Residence Life Multicultural Committee will display input from the SMU community on a display board of mini orange t-shirts.

Sisters in Spirit: Honouring Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People

An image of a red dress with event information in text

Thursday, October 3, 2024
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Loyola Private Dining Hall

Join the Indigenous Student Advisor and the Sexual Violence Support Centre in advance of the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People. The event will include guest speaker Chief Annie Bernard-Daisley of We'koqma'q, who made history as Cape Breton First Nations’ first female chief. Chief Annie has been a strong advocate locally, provincially, and federally, speaking to both the provincial and federal governments on matters related to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Following Chief Annie’s talk, there will be a beading workshop, with supplies provided by the Indigenous Student Advising office.

Community events and resources

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre

A poster with MNFC event details

Monday, September 30
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax

 A dedicated day to learn and reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island. People are encouraged to wear orange T-shirts as part of the Indigenous-led grassroots initiative “Every Child Matters”. For more details, follow @mnfc.hfx on Instagram, Facebook or visit mymnfc.com. 

Every One Every Day 
Begin or continue your Reconciliation journey by attending 'Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action' sessions throughout the year. Free and open to all, these sessions are offered by Every One Every Day, a Truth and Reconciliation initiative of Wije’winen / Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. 

See the Fall Program, follow the initiative's blog, and be sure to check out its Reconciliation Resources for more information.

Patrick Power Library

The Patrick Power Library is currently featuring an Indigenous book display on the first floor, across from the Research Help Desk, as well as an Indigenous Heritage Display on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. You can also visit the Red Dress display and Indigenous art pieces from Loretta Gould.

The Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Truth and Reconciliation. Be sure to also visit their Indigenous Studies Research Guide.