The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at StFX

On the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, StFX University held a commemorative ceremony for the children that attended residential school. Students were invited to tie an orange ribbon to remember the children that did not make it home and as a sign of acknowledgment and respect of those who attended residential school as well. The ceremony, and the day itself, serve as reminders that the residential school system is not just a relic from Canada’s past. Many students attended the ceremony, including the majority of StFX’s varsity athletes. A moment of silence on campus also occurred at 12:00 p.m. as a sign of respect. Students were asked to wear orange shirts if they had one, as September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day.

Though the university was planning on a much larger ceremony, Hurricane Fiona disrupted those plans. The university intended to have a ceremony similar to last year’s, with speakers and guests from the community and other communities nearby. However, due to power outages and wind damage, the university opted for a smaller ceremony. In the days leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the university was selling orange shirts designed by StFX student and Indigenous artist Tyler Rankin.

Shirts were available at the library on campus and all proceeds went to the Indigenous Student Society. The Nurturing Netukulimk art exhibition that had opened on campus on September 15th was also open to the public for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The exhibition featured art from many Indigenous students and community members.

Overall, the ceremony was conducted beautifully and the StFX community worked with the resources they had to produce the best result they could. It is likely that next year’s ceremony will return to the previous format.