Truth and Reconciliation Week
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A message from Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear and Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas
It has been 10 years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada released its Final Report and 94 Calls to Action. As the country reflects the TRC’s 10th anniversary and how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go, we at Iniskim (University of Lethbridge) continue to work towards meaningful reconciliation, which starts with each and every one of us, every day.
On September 30, ULethbridge will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to honour the many children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. To move forward in a good way as our Elders have taught us, we must continue to hold ourselves and others accountable to this process and to commit to being a part of the solution.
To raise awareness about the impact and legacy of the residential school system in Canada, we mark September 22 to 26 as the Truth and Reconciliation Week on campus with events and activities open to all students and employees. Everyone is invited to all events, and we hope you make time to participate.
We begin on a historically significant day – Treaty 7 day on September 22. In 1877, Treaty 7 was signed between the Crown and the First Nations of Southern Alberta, including the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Stoney-Nakoda and Tsuut’ina. At ULethbridge, we continue our ongoing commitment to be a responsible steward to the Blackfoot Confederacy and the larger Treaty 7 territory where we reside. We invite you to learn more about the true spirit and intent of Treaty 7 as understood by our Elders and community members as we kick off the week at 11 am in the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre.
Indigenous knowledge, culture, tradition and worldview have always been foundational to ULethbridge since we became a university in 1967. We are home to one of Canada’s first Native American Studies departments (now known as Indigenous Studies) which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. We will celebrate five decades of Indigenous education and programming, community-engagement, and scholarship and research throughout the year. More details will follow, and a signature event will take place during Indigenous Awareness Week in March 2026.
ULethbridge’s response to the 94 Calls to Action can be seen in many ways across our community. We recently welcomed two new Indigenous faculty members this year: Ryan Crosschild, assistant professor (sociology), is a rising Blackfoot scholar and part of our new Centre for Feminist Research; and Dr. Hali Heavy Shield (BA/BEd ’06, MEd ’12, PhD ’24), assistant professor (fine arts) who is the first Blackfoot woman to receive a PhD from Iniskim. She is a member of the Kanai Nation and her research focuses on the Blackfoot healing ways of storytelling.
Blackfoot language rematriation is also a priority at ULethbridge; this Spring we held our first inaugural Blackfoot language immersion camp, A’tismaani, and will be hosting an upcoming Blackfoot Language Conference in May 2026. Making space for Indigenous scholars and the Blackfoot language at Iniskim, a place for higher learning, ULethbridge can ensure Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are integrated into teaching and learning.
Although we will shine a spotlight on truth and reconciliation this week, coming together in the spirit of reconciliation is something we do every day, all year-long. We encourage all faculties and departments to highlight the ongoing work, events and programs that show our commitment to Indigenization, and specifically the Truth and Reconciliation process, as it underscores our strategic plan’s foundational goals.
No matter where we are on our journey, students are always at the centre of our tipi. They are the reason why we’re here and our leaders of tomorrow. Please join us as we wrap up TRC Week on September 26 for the Iikaisskini Welcome Back BBQ at 3 to 6 p.m. at the Elks Picnic Shelter in Indian Battle Park which is open to everyone and helps us start our students off in a good way.
Let’s listen, learn and seek understanding as we continue our journey towards reconciliation. We are all walking this path together.
Sincerely,
Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04)
Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations
Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, OC, OM, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC
President & Vice-Chancellor
Get involved-2025 Scheduled Events
TRC Week at ULethbridge: Sept. 22-26
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: Sept. 30
Blessings with Sweetgrass over the Coals
11 a.m. to 11: 30 am | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join Dr. Francis First Charger, Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief) for a blessing to kick off TRC week and Treaty 7 Day.
Treaty 7 Day Presentation
Noon to 1 p.m. | Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Treaty 7 Day is September 22. Join Dr. Leroy Little Bear, Vice Provost - Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge for a special talk on the history, spirit and intent of Treaty 7. Light refreshments provided.
Facepainting
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Elders Ceremonial Room, A430
Join Elders In-Residence Dr. Francis First Charger Niinaisipistoo (Owl Chief), Cathy Hunt Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky) and Shirlee Crowshoe Miisaminiskim (Ancient Buffalo Stone) for face painting for students, faculty and staff. Please follow protocol and dress code attached.
Orange Rock Painting
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.| Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
Join Iikaisskini Indigenous Services team for a drop-in event where you can paint orange rock or leave messages on orange paper that will be displayed. All supplies are provided and everyone is welcome. Light refreshments provided.
Orange Shirt Day Group Photo
Noon | South Patio, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Gathering Centre, W650
In commemoration of TRC Day (Sept. 30), we ask you to wear your orange shirt on Wednesday Sept. 24 and join us for an institutional photo on the south patio of the Iikaisskini Gathering Centre.
*The bookstore is selling orange t-shirts both in-store and online. A portion of the sales will be donated to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives.
Munch N Movie
12 to 2 p.m. | L1060 Library
Come watch the film The Lesser Blessed. Hosted by Good Medicine Stories with support from the Department of Indigenous Studies and the University Library.
Bring a lunch. Drinks and cookies will be supplied. There will also be Indigenous book giveaways.
Tagg-Yoshida Liberal Education Lecture Luncheon: Rosalyn LaPier
12 to 2 p.m. | Iikaisskini Gathering Centre W650
Rosalyn LaPier is an award-winning Indigenous writer, environmental historian, and ethnobotanist. They work within Indigenous communities to revitalize traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and to strengthen public policy for Indigenous languages. They are the author of two books including Invisible Reality: Storytellers, Storytakers and the Supernatural World of the Blackfeet, produced two Blackfeet language lexicons, and written dozens of articles and commentaries. Rosalyn is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana and Red River Métis.
This is held in conjunction with the Tagg-Yoshida Liberal Education Lecture. There will be an Elders welcome and lunch is available for the first 50 people.
Skoden Film Screening
6 to 9 p.m. | Science Commons SA8002
Join the producers of Skoden, Damien Eagle Bear and Mark Brave Rock, for a film screening on campus. This Canadian documentary film is a portrait of Pernell Bad Arm, a homeless Kainai man in Lethbridge, Alberta, who attained viral internet fame in the 2010s when an image of him confronting a photographer briefly became an anti-indigenous racist meme, before being reclaimed by Indigenous youth as a symbol of pride and resistance.
Q&A with the producers to follow. Popcorn and light refreshments will be provided.
2025 Tagg-Yoshida Liberal Education Lecture
7 to 10 p.m. | Science Commons SA6008
Rosalyn LaPier will discuss the historic land management practices of Indigenous women, primarily the Aamsskáápipikani or Blackfeet – before colonization – their relationship with the natural world, their understanding of landscapes and ecology, their role as Indigenous knowledge keepers and how they created sustainable landscapes of abundance. But this story (unfortunately) cannot be told without also discussing the history and impact of settler-colonialism on Indigenous women and the land. Rosalyn will blend family and community history into the larger historical narrative of the northern Great Plains.
Learn more.
Welcome Back BBQ
3 to 6 p.m. | Elks Picnic Shelter, Indian Battle Park, 55-79 Botteril Bottom Rd S.
Join the Iikaisskini and A’tsimann teams for a BBQ at Indian Battle Park. There will be food, fun, games and live music. Bring your lawn chairs, everyone is welcome.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
University of Lethbridge closed
In order to provide space and time for reflection, there will be no classes and University offices will be closed on Sept. 30. The University’s decision to observe this day is consistent with the University’s commitment to Indigenization, and specifically the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Today, and every day, take some time to learn and reflect on how each of us, as individuals, will address and answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. We all have a role to play in proactively learning Canada's history and working toward meaningful reconciliation.
What is Orange Shirt Day?
Orange Shirt Day marks an important part of Canada’s history, but also a pivotal part of its future. Observed on September 30 each year, it marks the day that Indigenous children were taken from their homes and placed into residential school. It was a day to honour the students who didn’t return home.
Orange Shirt Day recognizes an important moment in history and will help determine our journey ahead toward reconciliation. It is a day for healing and remembering; and a day to listen, learn and honour the survivors and the ones who did not make it home.
Orange Shirt Day started in 2013 and was inspired by Phyllis Webstad, a residential school survivor, from the Canoe Creek Indian Band in British Columbia who attended the St. Joseph's Mission residential school, after sharing her story in an awareness campaign. Phyllis' emotional story begins with her first day attending residential school at six years old. She remembers the new orange shirt her grandmother bought her, which was abruptly taken and permanently replaced with a school uniform. Her story highlights loss and assimilation while in residential school and provides the symbolism of resiliency and reaffirmation of importance through the "Every Child Matters" orange t-shirt movement today.
The first step to honouring is acknowledging our past. We need to listen to the stories from our Indigenous knowledge keepers, learn and educate ourselves, and open spaces for conversations to support each other through this emotional time.
Truth and reconciliation starts with truth and leads to intentional meaningful action. Learn about our Indigenous communities. Talk about Indigenous history at home, at school and at work. Help build supportive, inclusive, and equitable spaces where everyone feels they belong. Volunteer and donate to initiatives that elevate the voices of our Indigenous communities. Call out racism and injustices when you see it occurring.
The most important part of the process is understanding that you will make mistakes. What truly matters is apologizing authentically and making every effort to learn and unlearn, as you do your part to move towards reconciliation and healing.
**A portion of sales will be donated to Iikaisskini Indigenous Services for activities to support reconciliation and Indigenous student initiatives.
Make a donation to the Iikaisskini Student Initiatives Fund, which supports programming for Indigenous ULethbridge students. Give now
Get Support
By honouring Indigenous residential school survivors, their families, and communities on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, some individuals may experience a series of reactions, including renewed trauma, grief, and anger. There are resources available through the University, and within the community for students and employees to access support.
The following supports are available for Indigenous students and staff:
- ULethbridge Counselling Department, as an important mental health resource for our students. Santanita Oka, Indigenous Mental Health Outreach Worker, is available for support in Iikaisskini Indigenous Services.
- NIHB AB Region’s telephone, which provides free counselling for all Status Indigenous Peoples: 1-800-232-7301.
- IRS RHSP AB Region’s telephone: 1-888-495-6588. This is a great resource for anyone wishing to access mental health support for anyone who has been directly or indirectly impacted by the Indian Residential School system.
**Non-insured health benefits will cover the cost for counselling.
Other community resources include:
Employees can access support through the University’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) managed by Homewood Health. For more information on recovery and coping strategies for dealing with a traumatic event, Homewood Health has put together some suggestions that can be found here. By contacting EFAP, employees can access confidential counselling services, and can be matched to a counsellor with expertise in Indigenous culture and/or the residential school system.
For those wishing to access support through a more culturally traditional support, and wish to engage with Elders or Knowledge Keepers, they can contact Homewood Health with a self-identified Elder or Knowledge Keeper of their choosing. Homewood Health will provide the employee with an agreement to be completed and signed so that Homewood can arrange for an honorarium to be provided to that Elder or Knowledge Keeper in recognition of the support and wisdom provided.
For more information, or to book a counselling session, Homewood Health can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phoning 1-800-663-1142. All calls are completely confidential.