Algonquin College marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024

A sea of orange T-shirts filled Nawapon on Monday as Algonquin College employees marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.Guests attend the event marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Algonquin College

Drummer Awema Tendesi opened the event with a drumming song and tobacco offering. Krista Pearson, Vice President of Student Services gave a welcome and shared the College’s new land acknowledgement.

Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé welcomed Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, College Ward City Councillor Laine Johnson and Indigenous advisor Jenny Buckshot Tenasco to the Ottawa Campus.

“This is an important day to reflect, learn and recommit ourselves to the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 report,” said Brulé. “We are dedicated to listening, learning and sharing Indigenous knowledge with our learners and community.”

Brulé also highlighted a few TRI initiatives the College has undertaken this past year, including:

  • Permanently raising the flag from Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation at the Ottawa and Perth campuses and the Algonquin of Pikwakanagan flag at the Pembroke Campus.
  • Renaming four streets with Indigenous names on the Ottawa Campus.
  • Creation of the Indigenous Studies Foundations Ontario College certificate and new pathway diploma program.
  • Hiring a director of Indigenous initiatives.
  • Ongoing work with Learning and Teaching Services.

Professor of Indigenous Education, Sarah Wright, shared a personal story of her experience as an Indigenous woman growing up in Canada, then read Phyllis’s Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad to the Early Learning Centre children who joined in today’s event.

Director of Indigenous Initiatives Anita Tenasco closed the session by thanking everyone who gathered. Attendees were invited to the Ishkodewan courtyard to enjoy the fire and reflect on the day.

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Group attending National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Nawapon

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Anita Tenasco, Jenny Tenasco, Claude Brule, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and College Ward Councillor Laine Johnson attend National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event

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Professor Sarah Wright reads Phyllis’s Orange Shirt to ECE children.

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Drummer Awema Tendesi opened the event

 


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