On Sept. 23, a new flag was raised on Queen’s campus between Douglas Library and Ontario Hall — the Survivors’ Flag. The vibrant orange and white banner stands as a powerful symbol, honouring the resilience of those who survived Canada’s residential school system, and commemorating the many Indigenous children whose lives were tragically lost.

“The Survivors’ Flag is a visual reminder of the deliberate harms inflicted on Indigenous children and communities across Turtle Island,” says Mika Henry, Acting Associate Director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives. “We must continue to remember those lost and to honour survivors of the residential school system by understanding its history and its continued impacts on Indigenous people today. When we speak our languages and practice our customs, we do so in defiance of colonial efforts to erase them.”  

Located near the Indigenous Past and Futures at Queen’s plinth, the Survivors’ Flag will fly permanently, serving as a reminder that our shared commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation must happen year-round.  

“It is important for everyone in the Queen’s community to genuinely understand our role as Treaty People,” says Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). “Each of us who walk these lands owe gratitude to the Indigenous communities who cared for this land since time immemorial. We must task ourselves with gaining knowledge and nurturing that relationship — not just for today, but for the future and for all those who come after us.”

Raising of the Survivors’ Flag is one of several activities taking place on campus this month in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which takes place annually on Sept. 30. For full details, visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage, which will be updated regularly. To give space for staff, students, and faculty to engage learning, reflection, and scheduled activities, all academic activities will be suspended on Sept. 30.  

Unveiled in 2021, the Survivors’ Flag was created through a nationwide conversation and collaboration with survivors and prompted by the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, B.C. It is now flown widely on public buildings across the country. Learn more about the flag and its creation on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.