The following message was sent to All Staff and Students by Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement:

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. Access mental health and self-care resources here. 

Tomorrow, September 30th, is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which grew from the Indigenous-led grassroots movement, Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today and tomorrow as RRC Polytech observes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

We were fortunate this year to welcome Phyllis Webstad for a virtual keynote to launch Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement week. Phyllis’s story became the catalyst for Orange Shirt Day in 2013 when she founded the Orange Shirt Society, and later for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation when the Canadian government ratified it as a statutory holiday in 2021.  

Despite its status, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just another holiday – it’s an opportunity to take a moment from our typical routines to reflect and learn. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation brings to light everything that was taken from Indigenous Peoples through the horrific history of the Canadian Residential School System – culture and traditions, family, language, and sovereignty.  

This year, the annual RRC Polytech Orange Shirt was designed by Nursing student Dasia Chatkana and produced by local business Dreamcatcher Promotions. The design honours the bravery of children that escaped Residential Schools – many of whom risked capture or exposure to the elements. The Orange Shirt proceeds go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students every year to contribute to financial reconciliation – and you can support the award by purchasing your orange shirt at the Campus Store.  

Throughout the week, we saw many thought-provoking engagement sessions led by internal leaders and community partners. Miigwech to everyone who took the time to participate in events, and especially those who have led the sessions this week. We recognize the emotional labour and vulnerability of sharing your stories and lived experiences.   

On Friday, Sept. 19, Steinbach hosted a community honour walk and featured keynote presentations from Residential School Survivors, live cultural performances and educational displays. Russ Mason, a Business Administration student at RRC Polytech, was among the organizers for this trailblazing event. 

Today, students in Culinary Skills (Indigenous) are working hard to make bison stew and bannock for the Buffalo Ceremony hosted by Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin and N’Dinawemak, where Survivors and their families are being honoured in the community. 

As a post-secondary educational institution, Truth and Reconciliation is more than creating equal opportunities for Indigenous learners – it is also about ensuring the communities we serve learn the full and often-overlooked histories of this land. By centering the voices of Indigenous scholars, historians, and Knowledge Keepers, we help bring forward truths that were too long excluded from western textbooks and invite reflection on what those truths mean for us today. Observing and honouring the intent of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and extending these learning opportunities throughout the year, strengthens our commitment to building a campus community that is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. 

Please note that RRC Polytech campuses are closed tomorrow, September 30. I hope that you were able to find some opportunities this week to engage, reflect, and connect in preparation for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Everyone starts somewhere – this is a lifelong journey that everyone is encouraged to join. Tomorrow is also an opportunity in itself to attend community events, participate in Ceremony, read or watch, sit and reflect.  

Take good care of yourself and those around you and remember to reach out for support. 

Carla Kematch  | Director, Truth and  Reconciliation and Community Engagement
Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development