[Image description: The Every Child Matters Flag on top of the Seton Academic Centre. To the right, the text, “Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation” is on an orange background.]
Kwe’ MSVU community,
Observed on September 30 each year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day) is a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors, their families and communities. It’s a day for education, reflection and action to advance Truth and Reconciliation – a time set aside to learn about the history and multi-generational trauma caused by colonization.
MSVU will be closed on September 30 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The following day, October 1, is Treaty Day and the start of Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia. I encourage all members of our community to engage with these observances in meaningful ways.
On campus
Beading circle – For all
On Monday, September 28, the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) will host a beading circle where participants can create orange shirt pins. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. in the ISC. All supplies will be provided and no experience is required. All are welcome. Please RSVP to kayla.bernard1@msvu.ca.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Listening, Learning, and Reflecting – For faculty and staff
On September 25, from 2 to 3 p.m., GreenShield (MSVU’s Employee Assistance Program provider) hosted a live, one-hour learning session led by Dr. Randi Ray, a Anishinaabe from Flying Post First Nation. The session walked participants through the history behind the day, the Treaty and Indian Act foundations that continue to shape Indigenous health and well-being, and practical ways each of us can support reconciliation at work and in our communities.
Indigenous-Informed Resources using the Kinu Resource Repository – For faculty and staff
Want to learn more about the Indigenous-informed resources offered through Kinu? Please join Prof. Jennifer Guy plus guest(s) on October 16, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (online via Teams) for a ‘show-and-tell’ session on the Kinu Course Content Repository – Seven Themes. During the presentation, they will walk through the resources, explore how to navigate the space, and introduce the themes. They’ll also hold an open discussion on how these materials have been used in past courses and brainstorm ways you might adapt them for your own teaching.
Supporting Indigenous learners at MSVU
Earlier this month, we were pleased to welcome Cathy Martin to the role of Elder and Indigenous Relations Consultant at MSVU. As Elder in Residence, Cathy will support Indigenous students on their learning journeys. As Indigenous Relations Consultant, she’ll guide us in developing a long-term approach to advancing Indigenous initiatives at MSVU.
Also supporting Indigenous students at MSVU is Kayla Bernard. In her role as Indigenous Student Support Advisor, she leads the Indigenous Student Centre on campus. Located at 46 Melody Drive (lower level – access off of College Road), the Kina’masuti aqq Apognamasuti (Learning and Help) Indigenous Student Centre provides students a welcoming space for learning, connection and cultural engagement.
In the community
A flag raising will take place at Grand Parade at 12 p.m. on September 29 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Halifax Public Libraries are hosting multiple events starting October 1, including a session exploring Mi’kmaq cuisine, beading workshops, and much more.
Wije’winen Kjipuktuk Gala 2026 – October 3 – The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre’s signature annual fundraising event and celebration of Indigenous culture, resilience, and community leadership.
Everyone One Every Day is also hosting various events in Halifax throughout October.
Two-Eyed Seeing Program in the community
I was delighted to hear that the Two-Eyed Seeing program has been booked by community groups to share their Tree-ty Press-ervation Workshop in the weeks ahead. Tree-ty Press-ervation is a land-based learning activity that combines maple tree identification, cultural teachings, storytelling and leaf pressing to encourage reflection on treaty relationships, environmental stewardship and connection to the land. All schools, Indigenous community groups, and education centres are welcome to host this workshop. More information, including on how to book the workshop, is available here.
My sincere thanks to the L’Nu Advisory Circle and all Elders and community members who regularly share their wisdom with us. With your guidance, we aim to ensure that MSVU is as accessible and supportive as possible for Indigenous students, while helping all students learn about Indigenous culture, history, and ways of knowing.
Wela’li’koq,
Joël
Dr. Joël Dickinson
President and Vice-Chancellor
Mount Saint Vincent University