Every Child Matters

Originally posted: September 24, 2021

A message from President Ray Karasevich

Throughout the week of September 27, our community will host and participate in a series of learning opportunities—some happening on our campus, others happening across Canada—to educate all people in Canada about systemic challenges and injustices both historical and current, that Indigenous Peoples in Canada face every day.

The week will culminate with Orange Shirt Day, followed by the first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

I need only point to discoveries of the past few months to affirm that we all have a long way to go toward Reconciliation. At the same time, I believe that everyone benefits when they commit to Reconciliation, and to actions supporting a universal truth: Every Child Matters.    

Each of us, in our own way and in our own time, should commit to learning and to actions that increase our understanding of one another and respect for one another today and every day. This is how we move forward, together.

I encourage everyone to show their support on Orange Shirt Day and to embrace the vision behind September 30, as expressed by The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s academic and research director, Brenda Gunn:

". . . to set aside a day that we honour all the children who survived residential schools, as well as honour and recognize those who did not return.”

I see the campus closure as an opportunity for reflection, for learning, and for each of us to begin what should be a lifelong learning journey. However you choose to learn and contribute, there is a wealth of resources available to assist you. What matters most is that you make this commitment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ray Karasevich

Events and activities

Truth and Reconciliation Week—September 27 to October 1
Beginning on Monday, September 27, this five-day national, online event will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools system. It will also provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students—all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Click here to register for the event.

Click on one of these links for a schedule of activities: (educators Grades 5-12) (general public)

Orange Shirt Day—September 29
Wear your orange shirt on September 29 and tell the world that you believe Every Child Matters.

Students and staff, join us for a webinar featuring Ginger Gosnell-Myers, Indigenous Fellow with the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

Check your email for event details and registration.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—September 30
A reminder to all students and staff that our campuses will be closed in observance of this day.

Learning opportunities
Below are some learning opportunities for staff and students to pursue on September 30, and throughout the year.

Orange Shirt Days @ the Manitoba Museum
- To honour Orange Shirt Day and the new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Manitoba Museum is pleased to provide complementary admission to the Museum Galleries from Thursday, September 30 to Sunday October 3.

Creating Reconciliation for You, Others, and Life - Read this guest post on the Imagine Canada blog by Returning to Spirit, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that provides experiential reconciliation workshops.

Perceptions on Truth and Reconciliation Series - This publication series helps to bridge the knowledge gap between Western and Indigenous approaches to addressing historical and ongoing injustices in settler-colonial states, repairing harms, and mitigating conflict within all parts of society.

First Nations in Canada - This educational resource, designed for use by young Canadians, is well-suited to young families.

Indigenous Languages in Canada - Explore the many distinct Indigenous languages in Canada (there are roughly 70) and learn about how groups are revitalizing them for future generations.

Beyond 94 Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - Developed by the CBC, this website outlines the 94 Calls to Action and provides ongoing analysis of the progress toward each one.

Indigenous Cinema - Explore the National Film Board of Canada’s online collection of Indigenous-made films.

Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba website - This year marks the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 and the TCRM website offers a wealth of information and resources about these foundational agreements.

Manitoba Metis Federation - Discover a wealth of information about the Metis People in Manitoba and learn a new word in Michif, a traditional Metis language that is making a comeback, every day through the MMF's Twitter feed.

Quamajuq - Explore the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world—a community collaboration of artists, Indigenous advisors, partners, and stakeholders—through in-person or online galleries.

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