Sept. 19 to 30, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives will host Indigenous Awareness Weeks (IAW), McGill’s annual celebration of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and cultures.
This year’s theme is Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Final Report, which documents the history and lasting impacts of the Canadian residential school system.
“The 10-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada marks a deeply significant moment of reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to justice and healing for Indian Residential School Survivors and their families,” said Celeste Pedri-Spade, Associate Provost (Indigenous Initiatives).
“It signals a shift from awareness to responsibility. As Governor General Mary Simon emphasized, Canadians are now past the stage of saying ‘I did not know,’ and must actively participate in reconciliation efforts,” Pedri-Spade said.
The TRC’s legacy, 10 years later
IAW’s keynote event features award-winning Anishinaabe writer Niigaan Sinclair. He will speak on Reconciliation and Resistance: Where Are We Now?
Sinclair is a Professor of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba and son of the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, Chair of the TRC.
“Each event was designed to speak to the theme of truth and reconciliation, offering opportunities for learning, celebration and connection across McGill’s campuses,” said Brittanny Janvier, Director, Indigenous Initiatives.
McGill Education Professor Janine Metallic will host McGill PhD Elma Moses, program manager for CBC North Cree Unit, for Stories that Shape Us: A Fireside Reflection on Reconciliation.
Drawing on their decades of work in Indigenous education and personal journeys shaped by Canada’s colonial history, they will reflect on the 10th anniversary of the TRC Final Report and McGill’s own 52 Calls to Action.
Success stories
The full calendar of events reflects IAW as a time of celebration, learning and reflection.
Among the first festivities will be McGill’s 24th annual Pow Wow, taking place at Macdonald campus.
Simultaneously, downtown campus will host Settlers and Complicity: Unraveling the Layers of Historical Responsibility, a panel discussion on pathways toward reparative futures.
“This year’s list of events came together through thoughtful collaboration with students, faculty, staff and community partners,” said Janvier. “We focused on creating a program that reflects a wide range of experiences and perspectives.”
Interwoven celebrates Indigenous artists, McGill’s Farmer’s Market will feature Indigenous makers, and the First Peoples’ House will host a shared meal of bannock, a near-universal dish in the Indigenous Canadian repertoire.
McGillians have the opportunity to learn from the Indigenous female entrepreneurs behind Cheekbone Beauty and Mini Tipi, hear from the experiences of IMPRESS alumni, and celebrate the Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE)’s 50-year milestone.
“Indigenous people are successful and resilient and thriving, but those stories don’t often get told,” said Pasha Partridge, Indigenous Representation and Events Officer. “We wanted to make sure we invited all Indigenous units and success stories on campus.”
Sept 30. finale
IAW will conclude on Sept, 30, Canada’s National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Highlights include the Faculty of Education’s annual Orange Shirt Day event, a lunch co-created by Mi’kmaq chef Norma Condo and momentous matches hosted by the Redbirds hockey and lacrosse teams. The hockey game will take place in the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh; the lacrosse game will be at Molson Stadium.
“For McGillians, I hope IAW sparks curiosity and a deeper commitment to reconciliation – not just during these weeks, but year-round,” said Janvier. “For Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, I hope it feels like a celebration of who we are, and a reminder that we belong here.”
