Lakehead University representatives raised a National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Survivors' Flag on Tuesday, Sept. 3 on the steps outside Simcoe Hall.
The flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada.
Dr. Linda Rodenburg, Principal of Lakehead's Orillia campus, said the flag is an important sign of solidarity with survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities.
"I'm humbled to be part of an institution that is continuing to address reconciliation. Every day I purposefully walk the Every Child Matters crosswalk, a symbol of our campus's commitment to reconciliation, to remind myself of my obligations as an ally to work hard to walk alongside our Indigenous communities in a good way."
"It's my hope that our entire campus community joins me this month to engage in learning and to reflect on their own efforts to support reconciliation, understand truth, and commit to action," she added.
Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives, said Lakehead recognizes the importance of education in the act of reconciliation.
"We've collaborated across multiple nations and communities to engage in reconciliation," Baxter said. "Though we work on this all year, September is a time to recognize our efforts and recommit to collaborating with communities and nations on pathways forward."
Lakehead University will host several free online events throughout September, leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Archives: The Gatekeepers of Truth and Reconciliation with Miranda Jimmy
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Re-Storying Intergenerational Trauma through Truth, Reconciliation, and Peacebuilding with Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
Friday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/events.
