Durham College recognizes Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with second annual Mini Powwow

On Wednesday, September 30, the Durham College (DC) community gathered to recognize Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The second annual Mini Powwow, hosted by DC’s First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), honoured the Survivors of the residential school system, their families and communities, and the children who never returned home.

“Today, we come together in the spirit of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation. This is a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities, while acknowledging the lasting impacts of these institutions. It is also a day to listen, to learn, and to carry these teachings forward in our everyday lives,” said Dr. Kayla Murphy, Director, Indigenous Initiatives.

Sharing their wisdom at the morning event were Elder Dorothy Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation, who opened the proceedings with a prayer, and Susan Byrne, president of the Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle, who shared reflections and teachings.

The Powwow also featured a sacred fire lighting ceremony by Firekeeper and three-time DC alumnus Ronald Leaman, as well as drumming, dancing and teachings by the High Tide Singers and Head Dancer Brooke Wheeler, Peyton Jones and Rachel Taunton, FPIC’s Indigenous Communities Outreach Coordinator, who was instrumental in the creation of this new DC tradition.

The event was held in the Naanaagide’endamowin “The Art of Thinking” Courtyard at the Oshawa campus, as well as inside the FPIC space in the Centre for Collaborative Education. The afternoon’s activities included drop-in crafts, fireside chats and vendors, and a traditional Plant Teachings workshop hosted by Matthew Levac.

Also in support of the day, the Durham College Student Association hosted a button-making event earlier in the week, where students were invited to create a button, reflect on the significance of the day, and show their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the message that Every Child Matters.

“For post-secondary institutions, including DC, reconciliation carries a particular responsibility. We play an important role in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, histories, and perspectives are respected and valued; in addressing systemic barriers; and in supporting meaningful change,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President.

“Our commitment to this work is reflected in our Strategic Vision and demonstrated in our daily actions that bring Indigenous ways of knowing into teaching and learning, amplify Indigenous voices and stories, deepen relationships with Indigenous communities, and create opportunities for employees and students to further their understanding of Indigenous histories and experiences.”

Resources to support the DC community’s continued learning and reflecting on reconciliation are available: