Spotlight

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sept. 30

Remembering and honouring residential school survivors and their families. 

nīkānītān manācihitowinihk | ni manachīhitoonaan

“Let us lead with respect”

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an annual federal statutory holiday. 

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) decision to observe this holiday aligns with the university’s efforts toward reconciliation and decolonization. The university remains closed on Sept. 30, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day, so students, staff, and faculty can reflect on and participate in this day.  

For more information on events and programming taking place on the USask campus and in the community to commemorate Sept. 30, please visit the link below.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission - Calls to Action

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, which reads:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Resources and initiatives

USask learning resources

Orange Shirt Day
To learn more about Orange Shirt Day and the Canadian residential school system, please visit the links below or feel free to begin your own research on this tragic period of Canadian history:

Indigenous Wellness Resources
Supports are available here on campus, in the community and online.

Student Affairs and Outreach
The USask community is encouraged to access support services through Student Affairs and Outreach by calling (306) 966-5757 or emailing intake@usask.ca.

Community resources

Wellness and support
For emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada, residential school survivors can call 1-866-925-4419The Hope for Wellness Help Line is also available to Indigenous peoples across Canada 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or available via online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Reconciliation Saskatchewan
The Office of the Treaty Commissioner is working to support a provincial movement for truth and Reconciliation in the Treaty territory of Saskatchewan.

Saskatoon Tribal Council
The Saskatoon Tribal Council is dedicated to creating a respectful environment that inspires and encourages innovation and leadership while building and strengthening partnerships with communities, individuals and organizations.

Stories

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We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another.