Tuesday, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities who have been deeply affected by the tragic and painful history of residential schools for generations.
This day is an important opportunity to learn, reflect, and raise awareness about the impacts of residential schools and the loss of culture and freedom that many children experienced. On this day, we wear orange shirts to encourage meaningful discussions and as a reminder that Every Child Matters. These observances are essential to the reconciliation process, but one day isn’t enough. I encourage you to wear orange, but more importantly, continue to learn, and advocate for justice, Truth and Reconciliation, throughout the year.
MSVU is strongly committed to advancing meaningful Truth and Reconciliation. We will continue to collaborate with Indigenous community members, faculty and staff, and the broader MSVU community to remove barriers to education for Indigenous Peoples and toward the decolonization of our organization.
MSVU will be closed on September 30th to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The following day, October 1, is Treaty Day and marks the start of Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia (learn more about the on-campus Treaty Day Rally and Walk below). Please join in the many upcoming events on campus and in the community – all are welcome (details below).
Several MSVU departments host their own events or include additional learning opportunities in their courses, so keep an eye out for those as well.
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University
On-Campus Events
September 29 – Black and Indigenous Speaker Series to feature Zabrina Downton for a talk titled “From Resistance to Governance: The Emergence and Relevance of Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch.”
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Hybrid, online and in McCain 105
Registration required
October 1 – Honoring Mi’kmaw Treaty Day: Treaty Day Rally and Walk
We are all treaty people, so join the MSVU community for a walk across campus in recognition of the importance of Treaty Day and to kick off Mi’kmaw History Month. The event will start with singing and drumming, a welcome message, and a Mi’kmaq Treaty Day Proclamation reading. Then, the MSVU community will walk to the Wikuom and place their handprints on it. Afterward, there will be refreshments outside of Rosaria.
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Meet in front of the Seton Academic Centre, walk to the Wikuom, and end with refreshments in the Rosaria courtyard
October 3 & 4 – Kinu Indigenous Tourism & Education Conference: Pjila’si:Welcome/Jiksete’n:Listen/Knutma’si:Learn/Tla’tike’:Do
October 3 – full-day conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Mawiomi at 6:30 p.m.
October 4 – half-day conference from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration required
Contact Kelsie.Johnston6@MSVU.CA for more information
October 22 – Indigenous Art Installation Reveal
The Two-Eyed Seeing Library Art Project is aimed at strengthening ties with Indigenous communities. The project is funded by The President’s Fund Special Projects Program, which is generously supported by MSVU alumni and friends.
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Campus Library, EMF
Contact Krista.Collier-Jarvis@msvu.ca for more information
Also, keep an eye out for educational signs to be located across campus.
Off-Campus Events
September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Resources and Activities
The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will have tables set up with resources and hands-on activities geared towards taking reconciliatory action at the neighborhood level.
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Joan Glode Room, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 209-2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax
September 30 – Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
In honour of the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) on September 30, APTN, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada and the Algonquin Nation have united to produce a 90-minute multilingual commemorative gathering entitled Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be broadcast live.
Get more details and times
October 1 – Treaty Day Traditional Salmon Dinner
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Joan Glode Room, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick Street, Suite 209
October 4 – Wije’winen Kjipuktuk Gala
The gala honours the historic 300-year milestone of the signing of the Peace and Friendship Treaties in 1725. Expect powerful performances by Indigenous artists and opportunities to listen, learn and stand together in cultural respect and hope for the future. MSVU is a sponsor of this event.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Halifax Convention Centre
Starting October 1, Halifax Public Libraries have multiple events, including:
– Mi’kmaw History Month Take & Make – Mini Women Basket Kit at Dartmouth North Library
– Ko’jua Together: A Dance for All at Keshen Goodman Public Library and at Halifax Central Library
– Jim Maloney: Martial Arts Master from Sipe’kneketik at Bedford Public Library
– Puppet Show: The Legend of the Beaver’s Tail at Tantallon Public Library
Everyone One Every Day is also hosting various events in Halifax throughout October.