Since 2021, Canada has officially observed Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). By now, you may have built up associations with the day—banks are closed, orange shirts surface everywhere, and class schedules are suspended.
This year, I hope you dig a little deeper. Explore the Indigenous art show at Union Gallery. Stand together at the community-wide Sacred Fire. Let yourself feel the responsibility of allyship not as a checklist, but as a way of being.
I think of reconciliation as a muscle we’re all growing. There can be no finality because once we neglect it, the muscle weakens. But the good thing is, if you’ve forgotten about this work, you can always begin again.
There’s a very special group of people I’ve had the privilege to know, who have some of the biggest muscles I’ve seen. The members of the NDTR working group—and the work they do. These spunky and thoughtful individuals have come together bi-weekly since the summer months to fill September (and beyond) with opportunities for education, reflection, and connection. This is a fantastic opportunity to help offload the burden from Indigenous folks if you’d like to offer your service.
This year, Queen’s chose “respectful engagement” as a guiding theme for NDTR programming and initiatives. In a video conversation with Elder Al Doxtator, Chancellor Shelagh Rogers, Principal Patrick Deane, and myself had a chance to reflect on what that phrase really means in action.
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) also created a document covering guidelines for respectful engagement in reconciliation work. It’s an excellent starting point to have some basic questions answered about best practices in classes, events, and programming surrounding NDTR. There are simple protocols that have powerful impacts if not followed, such as not photographing the Sacred Fire and how to invite a Knowledge Keeper to speak.
For me personally, I’m unabashed about my commitment to reconciliation because I feel it’s my civic duty. I carry this duty in every aspect of my life, as a community member, student, researcher, and leader, because, simply put, every child matters.
At your service,
Niki
Tags
Indigenous history, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Rector's Digest
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