In preparation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Queen’s is planning several events set to take place across campus this month. Observed every year on Sept. 30, the day is dedicated to reflecting on the history of Canada’s residential school system — which operated from 1831 to 1996 — and the harmful impacts it continues to have on Indigenous people and communities, and to remembering its victims and survivors.

To give space for staff, students, and faculty to engage in learning, reflection, and scheduled activities, all academic activities will be suspended on Sept. 30.

Orange shirts available on campus

Starting Sept. 23, orange t-shirts will be available for purchase on campus. Their design, by Cree artist Jaylene Cardinal, features an illustrated pair of children’s moccasins set between woodland forget-me-not flowers.

Shirts will be sold at pop-up locations on campus and proceeds will be donated to a local Indigenous organization. There will be alternative purchase options available as well, including pay-what-you-can scaled pricing and the option to pay with non-perishable food donations. Information about pop-up locations and dates will be made available on the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage, which will be updated throughout the month.

Orange shirts have long been associated with Sept. 30. Before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established, Orange Shirt Day was observed, dating back to a 2013 reunion of former students of St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. One of these students, Phyllis Webstad, shared the story of how her new, orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, was taken from her by school staff on the first day of school. She was only six years old. Her orange shirt was never seen again.

Raising the Survivors’ Flag

On Sept. 23, members of the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) will raise the Survivors’ Flag. Once raised, community members are encouraged to visit the flag, located between Douglas Library and Ontario Hall near the Indigenous Past and Futures at Queen’s plinth. The Survivors’ Flag will fly permanently to honour residential school survivors and to serve as a reminder that we must commit to advancing truth and reconciliation year-round.

Art and educational activities

Union Gallery, in collaboration with Agnes Etherington Art Centre, will host an Indigenous art display from Sept. 23 to Oct. 12. Located on the first floor of Stauffer Library, the gallery is open to visitors from Tuesday through Saturday each week, and will open for special extended hours on Sept. 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Another educational exhibit will be assembled inside the display case in Mackintosh-Corry Hall, near the cafeteria area. It will be on display from Sept. 23 to 29.

Sacred fire

Observance of the National Day for Reconciliation will conclude with a Sacred Fire on Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Agnes Benidickson Field. Open to all Queen’s community members, the event provides an opportunity to gather and reflect on the harm caused to Indigenous people and community by residential schools, and to understand our collective role in advancing truth and reconciliation at Queen’s and across Canada.

Visit the Office of Indigenous Initiatives’ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage, which will be updated throughout September with event information, schedules, and more opportunities for learning.