This message is shared on behalf of Dr. Elaine Popp, President.
Today, Durham College (DC) joins people and organizations across Canada in marking Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together, we honour the strength and resilience of Survivors, their families, and communities, while also recognizing the truths of the harms caused by the residential school system.
This year carries special significance as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report and Calls to Action. As educators, we play a critical role in this work by addressing systemic barriers, creating inclusive environments, and empowering change.
At DC, our deepened commitment to reconciliation is reflected in our Strategic Vision, where we are supporting Indigenous-led programs that uplift students, employees and communities, upholding Indigenous rights, advancing reconciliation, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Some examples of this work include advancing initiatives that integrate Indigenous ways of knowing into teaching and learning, amplifying Indigenous voices and stories, and providing a new Indigenous Awareness Training Series for employees focused on reconciliation, history, and working with Indigenous students.
We acknowledge that our work is far from done. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires commitment from all of us. We encourage you to continue learning and reflecting, whether through resources at the DC Library, our online collection highlighting DC’s commitment to Indigenization, or the free Indigenous Histories and Reconciliationmodules.
Throughout September, DC’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) has provided opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage, encouraging our community to consider how each of us can contribute to change. You are invited to take the next step by attending today’s Orange Shirt Day Mini Powwow at the Naanaagide’endamowin “The Art of Thinking” Courtyard, at 10 a.m. This is an opportunity to witness Indigenous culture, learn, and show support in a respectful way. All are welcome.
As a symbol of our commitment, the Every Child Matters flag has been raised at both campuses, and all flags lowered to half-mast, and the DC sign at the Oshawa campus is illuminated in orange.
Let us honour Survivors and the children who never returned home by walking together toward a future rooted in truth, respect, and reconciliation.
