September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day meant for reflection, learning, and for reaffirming our commitment to moving reconciliation forward. We honour and remember the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and will work to help ensure that these are never forgotten.
September 30 is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day inspired by the story of Indian Residential School Survivor, Phyllis Webstad. Wearing orange shirts on this day is one way we can honour those who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not make it back home.
To recognize and honour this important day, 91̽»¨ staff and students are invited to participate in our campus educational activities during Truth and Reconciliation Week from September 23 to September 30. Learn more below about how you can be an active participant in this journey.
Join Us In Our Journey of Education and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth And Reconciliation Observance
Monday, September 30
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Common Link
Join in observance for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The event will feature speakers and immediately following, we will pause for a moment of silence when we invite everyone to reflect on the significance of this day and our collective responsibility to move forward in truth and understanding.
If you are unable to join, we encourage you to participate in a moment of silence around 10:20 am.
Indigenous Studies Workshops
Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27
Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Enji Maawnjiding (G1200)
Drop in to Enji during your lunch break for any of these workshops and get ready for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
| Date | Workshop |
|---|---|
| Monday, Sept. 23 | Tobacco Tie Making |
| Tuesday, Sept. 24 | Cedar Smudge Sticks |
| Thursday, Sept. 26 | Medicine Pouch Making |
| Friday, Sept. 27 | Tobacco, Cedar, Pouch |
Information Table
Monday, September 23 to Thursday, September 26
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Student Support Centre - E1101
The Student Services team will be set up outside the Student Support Centre to highlight important topics about truth and reconciliation. Learn about Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous heroes, inventions and the 94 Calls to Action.
| DAY | WHAT YOU CAN LEARN |
|---|---|
| Monday | What is Truth and Reconciliation? Let's learn Indigenous greetings |
| Tuesday | What is the significance of the Orange Shirt? Where you can buy from Indigenous artists and businesses. |
| Wednesday | Indigenous heroes and those who have made great contributions. Learn about Indigenous initiatives and inventions, Shingwauk Guided Truths, upcoming College events, the community and Truth and Reconciliation information you can read online. |
| Thursday | Together let's learn. Learn about 94 Calls to Action. Learn about the Robinson-Huron Treaty - the land we are located on and the land acknowledgement. |
91̽»¨ Library Display & Resources
Wednesday, September 25 (11 am to 1 pm)
Friday, September 27 (10 to 12 pm)
Monday, September 30 (11 am to 1pm)
Location: Student Support Centre - E1101
During Truth and Reconciliation Week, we will have a book display and showcase Indigenous authors and resources located right outside of the Student Support Centre.
Hearts for Reconciliation
Throughout the week, the Indigenous Students' Union will have orange hearts displayed outside of Odeno with messages about what reconciliation means to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. Hearts will be available in Student Services if you wish to participate and complete a heart message. We encourage you to stop outside of Odeno and take the opportunity to read these impactful messages.
Orange Shirts
We invite you to wear orange on Monday, September 30 to let us remember Survivor Phyllis (Jack) Webstad and her residential school story. Let us reflect and honour Survivors, their families, and communities affected by the legacy of Indian Residential School policies, and remember those that never made it home.
94 Calls to Action
94 flags, representing the 94 calls to action, will be displayed outside of M Wing along Northern Ave.
Turning Orange
M Wing will be lit up orange throughout the weekend and on Monday, September 30. Enji Maawnjiding and the Engineering Lounge in B Wing will also be lit up orange on September 30.
Staff and Student Learning Opportunities
We encourage our staff and students to be active participants in this journey by joining in these events, as well as participate in your own learning.
Explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's official reports and 94 Calls to Action through the .
Staff are also reminded and encouraged to take the time to complete the Reconciliation Education training available through .
91̽»¨, Indigenous and Community Assistance Resources
Employee Assistance Resources
Should you require assistance, these are the resources that are available to our staff and students.
LifeWorks
This is our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and is available to all Full-Time and Part-Time staff and their families.
Employees can reach LifeWorks anytime at 1-877-207-8833 and speak with a live person who will provide assistance. There are also many online resources available at www.lifeworks.com
Student Services
Students who require support can email studentsupport@saultcollege.ca and one of our Counsellors will reach out to you.
Indigenous-Specific Resources
First Nation, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line
1-855-242-3310
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Mental Health & Addictions Pandemic Response Program – NAN HOPE
1-844-NAN HOPE (626-4673)
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
1-866-925-4416
Community-Based Indigenous Mental Health Services
Indian Friendship Centre Sault Ste. Marie
705-256-5634
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services
1-800-465-0999
Crisis Services
Sault Area Hospital Crisis Services
705-759-3398 or 1-800-721-0077
Mobile Crisis Response
705-759-1230
Sault Ste. Marie Police Services
9-1-1
GOOD2TALK Post-Secondary Student Helpline
1-866-925-5454
Regional Warm Line
1-866-856-9276
Indigenous Education Resources
Our Library has many resources available to support ongoing Indigenous education on your journey towards understanding and meaningful reconciliation.
(The Learning Portal, College Libraries Ontario)
(Available collections)