National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Take part in these events
Sept. 18, 2023
Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to reflect on and commemorate the painful legacy of Canada’s residential schools. It’s also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Here at Georgian, we recognize reconciliation is the collective and individual responsibility of all of us – on Sept. 30 and every day.
With support from Indigenous Services, Visiting Elders, Indigenous community partners, and departments across the college, we’ve organized several events leading up to Sept. 30. Below we’ve listed activities open to the entire Georgian community; there are others happening in individual program areas and classes not listed here.
Please check back frequently as more events may be added or updated.
Every Child Matters flag raisings
Please join us for flag raisings at Georgian’s campuses in the days leading up to Sept. 30.
These are happening in person at the flagpoles in front of our campuses, except in Barrie where the flag raising will take place at the Georgian Cenotaph, in front of C building.
Barrie Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 27
11:30 a.m.
Midland Campus
Thursday, Sept. 28
11 a.m.
Muskoka Campus
Wednesday, Sept. 27
11 a.m.
Orangeville Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Noon
Orillia Campus
Monday, Sept. 25
11 a.m.
Owen Sound Campus
Monday, Sept. 25
9 a.m.
South Georgian Bay Campus
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Noon
Every Child Matters T-shirts for sale
Purchase an Every Child Matters orange T-shirt and $10 from every shirt sold is donated directly to Orange Shirt Society.
- Price: $20
- Sizes: S to 3XL
- Where:
- Bear Essentials store at Barrie and Owen Sound campuses
- Georgian Stores online shop
- When: Weekdays until Sept. 30, while supplies last
Custom Every Child Matters backgrounds
Other events throughout the week
Orangeville Campus: Write an inspiring message on orange paper T-shirts in the Student Resource Room to post around campus.
- Orange rock painting at the Edelbrock Centre, 30 Centre St.
Orangeville Campus: Orange rock painting from noon to 1 p.m. at the Edelbrock Centre, 30 Centre St.
Orillia Campus: Rock painting from noon to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot 3. The rocks will be placed along the Debwewin miinwaa Naaskodaadiwin Miikaans/Truth and Reconciliation Trail at the end of the week.
South Georgian Bay Campus: Indigenous lending library from noon to 1 p.m. in the front office.
Barrie Campus: Movie screening of Indian Horse, a Canadian drama about the impacts of residential school. Taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Automotive School of Business (ABSC) Event Space, Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre (N building). The movie is adapted from the novel by Indigenous author Richard Wagamese. This event is open to the Georgian community and the public. Please register for this free event.
Orangeville Campus: Indigenous regalia and items on display from noon to 1 p.m. under a canopy at the flagpole.
- Orange rock painting will also take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Resource Room.
Orillia Campus: Rock painting from noon to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 3, and a medicine bag workshop from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Indigenous Resource Centre (B201).
Owen Sound Campus: View a display at the Indigenous Resource Centre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that depicts Visiting Elder Shirley John’s time at a Spanish residential school. She will be on-hand to speak with students. While there, write a message on little orange shirt cutouts. Sweets will be handed out during the day as that is one thing Shirley remembers being denied while in residential school.
South Georgian Bay Campus: Indigenous regalia and items on display from noon to 1 p.m. in the foyer.
- Rock painting also taking place at South Georgian Bay Campus from noon to 1 p.m. in the foyer.
Barrie Campus: Come to a lunch and learn from 12:30 to 1 p.m. about how to be an ally. This free event is available in person in the Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centre (M138) and virtually. Please register.
- Buy a piece of orange fabric to tie on your arm if you are unable to buy an Every Child Matters orange T-shirt. Donations of any size will be accepted, and all proceeds will go to an Indigenous organization or program. Taking place in front of the Georgian Library between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Orillia Campus: Rock painting from noon to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 3, and beaded orange shirt pin workshop from noon to 2 p.m. in the Indigenous Resource Centre (B201).
Owen Sound Campus: Pre-recorded videos from Truth and Reconciliation Canada will be played in the Indigenous Resource Centre while a hot lunch is being offered between 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
South Georgian Bay Campus: Orange rock painting from noon to 1 p.m. in the foyer.
Barrie Campus: Check out the “I Commit To” banner (regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Georgian Library.
Orillia Campus: Rock painting from noon to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 3. Participate in one or both of the Falling Leaves Moon Meditation sessions from noon to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot 3 and from 3 to 4 p.m. at the main trail head (rain location: B201).
South Georgian Bay Campus: Orange shirt pin beading from noon to 1 p.m. in the foyer.
Barrie Campus: Buy a piece of orange fabric to tie on your arm if you are unable to buy an Every Child Matters orange T-shirt. Donations of any size will be accepted, and all proceeds will go to an Indigenous organization or program. Taking place in front of the Georgian Library between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Orillia Campus: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering from 1 to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot 2. There will be an unveiling of new markers along the Debwewin miinwaa Naaskodaadiwin Miikaans/Truth and Reconciliation Trail, a jingle dress dance demonstration by Raven Noganosh, and light refreshments.
Learn about Indigenous cultures
Thursday, Oct. 19: As part of Culture Week at Georgian, come learn about Indigenous cultures from the college’s Indigenous Services from 1 to 3 p.m. at Barrie Campus outside M building under the trees or, if raining, outside Subway (C Building, second floor). Students and employees are welcome to ask questions about an Anishinaabe Bundle and participate in a craft. Members of the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA) will also be handing out Indigenous 101 flyers and answering questions about Indigenous Peoples and terminology in Canada.
Secret Path and panel discussion
Free movie viewing of Secret Path, followed by a panel discussion and refreshments at Georgian Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., viewing at 7 p.m., and panel discussion at 8 p.m. This event is in partnership with the Barrie Film Festival, Barrie Native Friendship Centre and GCSA. Reserve a ticket.
Zombie movie
Monday, Oct. 30: Indigenous Services is hosting a screening of Blood Quantum, an Indigenous-made zombie movie in the spirit of Halloween, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rowntree Theatre, room H106, Barrie Campus. Register for the event.
6 ways to honour reconciliation beyond Sept. 30
1. 4 Seasons of Reconciliation
This course is aimed at empowering people to educate themselves to develop a renewed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples through transformative multi-media learning.
2. Participate in Indigenous knowledge-sharing sessions
These are hosted by Georgian’s Indigenous Services and are open to all Georgian employees and students. Upcoming sessions will be promoted through MyGCLife, the employee portal, and the college’s social media. For all Georgian events, visit our events calendar.
3. Participate in activities outside the college
Check out events hosted by local Indigenous friendship centres, Indigenous community groups, other institutions and organizations.
4. Hold team meetings to discuss Truth and Reconciliation
Not sure where to start? Explore resources on Georgian’s library website, including ones on what Indigenization is and why it’s important at the college.
5. Engage in Indigenous media
A great place to start is the Georgian library Indigenization page, where you can find lists of Indigenous videos and books to check out.
6. Familiarize yourself with Georgian’s online Indigenization resources
Not only can you find great book ideas at the library, but you can expand your knowledge with educational resources, traditional teachings, Indigenous history and government resources, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada documents, and more.
This post was originally published in September 2021 and updated in September 2023.