SSC Closed September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, St. Stephen’s College will be closed, and all courses cancelled, on Friday, September 30, 2022. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of remembrance, and an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the intergenerational harm caused by the Indian Residential School system.
There are many ways for members of the St. Stephen’s community to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Walk to the Kihciy Askiy (Sacred Earth) Ceremonial Site with Lewis Cardinal
Date: Oct 2, 2022 (Sunday)
Time: 12:30pm
Departure Point: St. Paul’s United Church (11526 76 Ave NW)
The St. Stephen’s community (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers) are invited to participate in a walking tour to the Kihciy Askie (Sacred Earth) Ceremonial Site. The tour will be led by Lewis Cardinal (DSL ‘16). The site is just off the Whitemud Ravine, near Fort Edmonton Park; the walk will be along the river valley and takes approximately one hour (one-way). Please bring your own lunch, and please dress in walking and weather-appropriate clothes and shoes.
The Kihciy Askie (Sacred Lands) Ceremonial Site is a joint initiative between the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre and City of Edmonton. When it opens in 2023, the site will enable local indigenous communities to host spiritual ceremonies, sweat lodges, cultural camps, talking circles, to grow medicinal herbs, and to facilitate intergenerational learning. You can read more about Kihciy Askie , , and .
Additional Ways to Reflect and Remember on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
If you cannot join us for the Kihciy Askie walk on October 2, there are many ways to reflect and remember as we approach the national TRC day:
- Wear an Orange Shirt! Please join the St. Stephen’s community in wearing orange shirts on September 28, 29, and 30. We wear orange to honour and remember the experiences and loss of the thousands of children who were stolen from their families and placed in residential schools.
- Educate Yourself: One of the best ways to reflect and remember is to better educate yourself about the need for Truth and Reconciliation. Spend some time exploring the website of the , or read some of the 黑料不打烊’s stories and information about the importance of this new national holiday.
- Read a book by an .
- (Re)Commit Yourself to Action! Review the and commit yourself to at least one of them.
- Watch Online Events such as those hosted by the .
- Connect with your Indigenous friends and family, or reach out to local organizations that work with indigenous communities.