Campus and community events mark Truth and Reconciliation Week at BU

As the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches on Monday, Sept. 30, this is a time for contemplation and learning.

Monday, which is also Orange Shirt Day, is part of Truth and Reconciliation Week in Brandon, from Friday, Sept. 27 to Friday, Oct. 4. It is a time for us to reflect on our history and the harmful legacy of Canada’s residential school system. It is also an opportunity to learn about Indigenous history and culture as well as to reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation.

Events are planned throughout the week at Brandon University (BU). These serve as a complement to community-wide events organized by our partners in the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council (BUAPC) as well as a continuation of our efforts all year to broaden our perspectives by welcoming Indigenous knowledge and worldviews.

Brandon University will be closed on Monday in observance of the national holiday, but members of the BU community are encouraged to take part in events at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, including the Orange Shirt Day Walk to the Brandon Residential School site, beginning at noon. Other events on Monday at the Riverbank will include the Indigenous Artists Market Tent, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A full list of community events can be found at the BUABC Facebook or Instagram pages at  BSD.ca/waverlypark/_ci/p/21254.

A full list of BU events and gatherings is available at BrandonU.ca/indigenous/indigenouslearningopportunities/truth-reconciliation. Among the events at BU:

• Survivors’ Flag | Sept. 27 – Oct. 4
  The Survivors’ Flag will fly in front of Brandon University. More information on the Survivors’ Flag and the symbolism represented on the flag can be found at NCTR.ca/exhibits/survivors-flag.
• Beading Babes Craft Sale | Beaded Orange Shirt Pins| Sept. 27
  The BU Beading Babes will be selling beaded orange shirt pins in honour of Truth & Reconciliation week from noon until sold out. They will be located outside of the Indigenous Peoples’ Centre (IPC).
• Orange Shirt Activity | “Every Child Matters because…” | Sept. 23 – Oct. 4
  Join the IPC in honouring Truth & Reconciliation week and complete your own orange shirt by sharing why Every Child Matters to you! A table will be located outside of IPC.
• Wear Orange | Sept. 30 – Oct. 4
  Every Child Matters – Orange Shirts available for purchase on campus and in the community. Proceeds from these vendors will support Indigenous initiatives:
  BU Campus Books
  Brandon Friendship Centre
  The Bobcats athletic teams will mark Orange Shirt Day by wearing orange shirts in practice. They will also once again show a video reflecting on reconciliation before every home game this season.
• Bailey’s Cafe | Oct. 1 – 4
  In honour of Truth & Reconciliation week, Bailey’s cafe will have a Bison stew and bannock meal available on their menu. In addition, bannock and berries desserts will be available in their grab and go cooler.
• ‘Owl Calling’ staged reading | Oct. 3
  The call of an owl becomes an omen for Eddie, a former residential school student, in a new play by BU professors Darrell Racine and Dale Lakevold. But what kind of omen will it be for a man who has just opened up about his residential school experience? A staged reading will take place at 7 p.m., at the Evans Theatre.
• ‘ayîkisis’ catalogue launch | Oct. 3
  IshKaabatens Waasa Gaa Inaabateg Department of Visual Art and The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba invite you to join us for the Catalogue Launch celebrating BU professor Kevin McKenzie’s new exhibition. The launch begins at 7:30 p.m., at the Glen P. Sutherland Gallery of Art.
• Guest Speaker – Dr. Matt Tétreault | Oct. 4
  In this Faculty of Arts Speaker Series talk, Dr. Matt Tétreault of the University of Manitoba will present L’histwayr des histories: From Red River Poetics to the Writing of Home. Dr. Tétreault will explore what it means to write within a Métis literary tradition. The talk will take place from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library.
• Braid Symbol – Email Signature
  Faculty and staff are encouraged to incorporate the braid symbol from Mamaawii-atooshke aakihkiwiin,the BU Strategic Plan, in their email signatures. The use of the braid in the Strategic Plan was inspired by Indigenous peoples and represents being stronger and more resilient together.
  Download Braid Symbol
• Connect with BU colleagues at Community Events
  BU’s Diversity & Human Rights Office invites you to reach out if you would like to connect with others from across campus at various community events. Contact Cheryl at FlemingC@BrandonU.ca.
• LibGuides, Virtual Displays and more!
  The BU John E. Robbins Library offers a collection of books and resources that raise awareness about Canada’s Residential School system.

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