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A Message from Carola Weil, PhD, Dean of Continuing Studies, and Veldon Coburn, PhD, Faculty Chair of Indigenous Relations Initiative (IRI) at SCS

As an institution of higher learning, it is crucial to acknowledge the role educational institutions have played in the colonization and assimilation of Indigenous peoples. September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is an important opportunity for us to recognize the deep scars of colonialism and engage in meaningful dialogue about the past injustices faced by Indigenous children and their families, while also honouring the resilience and strength of the survivors of Indian Residential Schools. 

Here at the School of Continuing Studies, we are committed to following the path laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action which, among other actions, call upon us to re-examine and learn from Canada’s colonial history. This day serves as a reminder that our journey towards understanding is ongoing, encompassing both learning and unlearning as we work to address Canada’s colonial past.

We invite you to join us for this important process. Your participation and openness are vital as we work towards building a more inclusive and understanding community. With several special activities organized by SCS IRI, including the Indigenous Perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education online event featuring Minnie Grey, our Spring 2024 Honorary Doctorate recipient, and We Were Children movie screening on September 30th, 2024, as well as a tabling event on September 24th and 26th, and McGill’s annual Indigenous Awareness Weeks starting on September 19th, 2024, learning opportunities abound for those who seek to further their knowledge.

Indigenous-focused Resources

In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our IRI team has curated a special list of Indigenous-focused resources that you can use to show your support by delving into books and films and/or donating to related causes. We hope this list offers the SCS community a wealth of resources to support and celebrate Indigenous voices and perspectives year-round.

Indigenous Perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education

Date: September 30^th, 2024
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Delivery mode:

Join us for Indigenous Perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in Post-Secondary Education, an online event that is part of the McGill SCS National Day for Truth and Reconciliation activities. This event is designed for anyone interested in Indigenous issues, education professionals, students, and those committed to fostering a more inclusive and reconciliatory academic environment.

Tune in to an insightful panel discussion featuring prominent voices from Indigenous communities. Our panelists – Minnie Grey, former executive director of the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Natasha MacDonald, Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, and our graduate from the Certificate in Health Management program Alicia Aragutak, current Corporate Secretary for Makivvik, will share their unique perspectives on Truth and Reconciliation in the post-secondary education system, and explore how these principles are being approached, implemented, and experienced in academic settings.

SCS Truth and Reconciliation Tabling Event

Date: September 24 and 26
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.
Delivery mode: In-Person: lobby of 680 Sherbrooke West, H3A 2M7

Join us for a special tabling event where the SCS IRI team will be showcasing educational resources on Truth and Reconciliation. Stop by to explore our recommendations for books, movies, and more on this vital topic. Don’t miss our raffle, where you can win one of several Orange T-Shirts—an important symbol of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Show your support and help us make this event a success!

"We Were Children" Movie Screening

Date: September 30
Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Delivery mode: In-Person: 680 Sherbrooke West, H3A 2M7 Room 1041

To further our efforts in encouraging the greater SCS community to explore themes related to National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we are organizing a viewing of the movie We Were Children. This movie explores the colonial history of Canada, the residential school system, and the resilience of Indigenous Peoples through the eyes of young children. Join us for this movie screening and help us start important conversations.