Tomorrow, Durham College (DC) recognizes the 10^th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which calls for remembrance, reflection and action around the history and impact of residential schools on First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities.

As an organization, DC is committed to reconciliation, with the goal of building respectful, reciprocal relationships that contribute to better educational outcomes for all students. And, as an education institution, we are committed to providing space for meaningful conversations and reflection on the impacts of residential schools and their legacy as well as resources to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples, and ways to take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.

Today, we are hosting an event together with Ontario Tech University in The Rotary Global Classroom for informative sessions on Indigenous history and culture from speakers Kevin Lamoureux, award-winning scholar from the University of Winnipeg; Elder Dorothy Taylor, a Mississauga Ojibwe Elder from Curve Lake First Nation known for her work and traditional teachings about the sacredness of water; and Elder Dr. Shirley Williams, who is Midewiwin and a member of the Bird Clan from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. If you’re able, please join us.

You are also encouraged to review the many resources and learning opportunities​ shared last week to assist in increasing an understanding of the past while recognizing our role and responsibility in reconciliation and working towards a future as friends and allies.

In recognition of this important day, today, the Every Child Matters flag has been raised to honour children who attended residential schools. Tomorrow, the flags at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses will be lowered to half-mast and, at sundown, the DC sign and Connect sculpture at the bus loop at the Oshawa campus, and the atrium at the Whitby campus main building, will be illuminated orange.

As a Durham College community, I encourage everyone to take time to remember, reflect and, most importantly, take action toward reconciliation.​