Algonquin College to Unveil Commemorative Monument on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Posted on Thursday, September 29th, 2022

College holding day-long series of events for students and employees

Each year, Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Recognition of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

As part of a full day of activities, Algonquin College is holding a Recognition Ceremony and Commemorative Sculpture Unveiling on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The unvelling will take place in Ishkodewan at the Ottawa campus on Friday, September, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

President and CEO Claude Brulé will be joined by Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. Algonquin College will then unveil a monument created by local artist, Barry Ranger, to commemorate the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country.

Activities will also be held throughout the day at Algonquin College’s Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Campuses will have a Legacy Of Hope Foundation exhibit on display. Escaping at Ottawa; Generations Lost at Pembroke; and Bi-Giwen at Perth. Each campus will also fly the Every Child Matters flag.

The Mamidosewin Centre (Ottawa campus) will be open for students dropping in to host supportive discussions. The Centre intends to provide a place students can go to feel supported, to make sense of what reconciliation means to them, and have a meal as well as supportive dialog.  

  • 9:30 a.m.: Morning smudge and welcome breakfast
  • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Chili and bannock lunch
  • 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Speakers Series: The History of Colonization from Pre-Contact to Truth and Reconciliation led by Eric Johnston and Jackie Tenute

Film Screening, Nawapon (Ottawa campus), 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join to watch the multiple-award-winning film Beans and hear a special talk by Director, Tracey Deer. Afterwards, there will be space for reflection and discussion outside by the fire, which will be moderated by the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival. 
This event is a collaborative effort by Learning and Teaching Services, Film and Media Production, the Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, as well as the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival.

Pembroke Campus

  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, 9:40am
    Please join a Special Truth and Reconciliation ceremony led by Kampus Kokum and Campus Elder in the Commons.
  • Kairos Blanket Exercise, 10am-1pm
    Join the Pembroke campus in the gymnasium for an interactive session to experience teaching tool that shares the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

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