The Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day was held on September 30, 2021, at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus, which is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.
It was hosted by the Faculty of Applied Science, along with the Faculties of Land and Food Systems, Forestry and Science. Murray Sinclair, former Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, urged Canadians to spend the day honouring survivors and respecting the resilience of Indigenous people.
The day not only provided an opportunity to listen to the voices of Indigenous people and to hear first-hand accounts of the impact the residential school system has had on past and future generations. It was also an occasion to learn more about Indigenous culture and how it ties in with present-day teaching methods.
Dr. Will Valley, associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and Dr. Sheryl Staub-French, associate dean of equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity in the Faculty of Applied Science, were present to observe and speak on behalf of UBC.
Valley expressed that we should expect our education system to help us prepare for, acknowledge and work through our feelings of discomfort.
“We’re hearing about a cultural genocide on this land, and it lands in our bodies,” he said. “So I appreciate that you’re here and you’re willing to be here to be uncomfortable […] and to be uncomfortable together.”
Staub-French stressed the importance of education and how it can be used as a tool to help with the process of healing, saying: “Commemorating this day, advocating for the truth and connecting as a community is one small step towards learning and unlearning Canadian history.”
The participating Faculties would like to extend our gratitude to all participants who helped make the event possible. Thank you for joining us, for sharing, for listening to survivors and for taking time to educate yourself and support Indigenous peoples as we continue this journey of truth and reconciliation.
We acknowledge the work of Dana-Lyn Mackenzie, Senior Manager, EDI & Indigeneity at the Faculties of Applied Science and Land and Food Systems, and Danilo Caron, MASc student and Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, Engineering Student Services, for organizing this event.
The Canadian government designated September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, beginning in 2021. This responds to Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 80, which states that the federal government will work with Indigenous people to establish a statutory day to "honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process".
Engaging with Indian Residential School histories and legacies can lead to emotional reactions and (unexpectedly) difficult thoughts and feelings. Sometimes these can surface hours, days, or weeks later. This is perfectly normal. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it is important to respect your needs and to be kind to yourself. For resources, visit https://irshdc.ubc.ca/for-survivors/healing-and-wellness-resources/
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