Trigger warning: residential schools
Athabasca University committed to kwayskahsatsowin (conciliation) and will close for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Sept. 30.
As we approach Sept. 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I encourage everyone at Athabasca University to reflect, to learn, and to act.
AU’s commitment to kwayskahsatsowin (conciliation) does not begin or end on this day, but continues as an ongoing effort throughout the year, and for the years to come, in our student supports and services, in affordability, and in respecting Indigenous histories and practices in our academic and research work, and in our administrative systems.
I encourage you to join me in commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day by seeking to learn and understand more about residential schools and the traumatic loss of culture, self-esteem, and freedom they inflicted upon generations of Indigenous people.
To honour this important day, Athabasca University will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday commemorating and honouring the victims and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Orange Shirt Day, also on Sept. 30, encourages us to wear orange, affirming that Every Child Matters.
To help you mark this day in a meaningful way, Nukskahtowin, AU’s Indigenous leadership centre, has compiled an index of resources to support further learning and understanding. We have also included a list of Alberta-based events below.
You can find a wealth of information supporting these efforts from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and from the Orange Shirt Society.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alex Clark
President
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
The following events are being held in communities across Alberta to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, Sept. 30.
Athabasca
- Athabasca Friendship Centre Orange Shirt Day Event, from noon to 3:30 p.m.
4919 53th St. Call 780-675-3086 for more information.
Calgary
- Pokaiks Reconciliation Society
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Werklund Centre
- Orange Shirt Day at The Confluence
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Heritage Park
Edmonton
- Orange Shirt Day Run/Walk
- Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Government of Alberta
- TELUS World of Science – Orange Shirt Day
- Truth and Reconciliation Day – Fort Edmonton Park
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Royal Alberta Museum
- Truth and Reconciliation Film Screening and Author Event – Audrey's Book Store
- 2025 NDTR Peace Walk – MacEwan University
Leduc
St. Albert
Stony Plain