Truth and Reconciliation at Congress

Blog
May 19, 2015
Author(s):
Nour Aoude, Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences

As thousands of scholars congregate in Ottawa for Congress 2015, the capital will be anticipating the release of the final report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The report will contribute towards truth, healing and reconciliation in response to Indian Residential Schools.

Justice Sinclair, Chair of the TRC is the opening Big Thinking speaker at Congress on May 30th and will offer a call for action towards reconciliation in Canada, including the role of universities in this process.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be hosting a number of public events in Ottawa during the week of Congress as part of their closing ceremonies. Check out the TRC website for further information on how to participate, including in the following key events:

  • Walk for Reconciliation – Sunday, May 31

    Walk together in Ottawa to express your determination in rebuilding the relationships among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.

TRC Commissioners will release their findings on Indian Residential Schools. Join in person at Delta Ottawa, or tune in via webcast for this historic event.

At Congress:

A critical issue for Canadian academics, politicians and the public, the issue of Reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples will be explored at Congress through the following events:

 

Big Thinking with Justice Murray Sinclair: What do we do about the legacy of Indian residential schools?

Saturday, May 30, 2015, 12:15 - 13:15 in the Jock-Turcot University Centre, Alumni Auditorium

Followed by panel: Reconciliation and the Academy: Building a social movement

Saturday, May 30, 2015, 13:30 - 15:00 in Jock-Turcot UCU/Terminus

 

Big Thinking with Jean Leclair: Imagining Canada in a disenchanted world

Thursday, June 4, 2015, 12:15 - 13:15 in Sciences sociales FSS/4007

 

Caring across boundaries: A photography exhibition

Seen through the lens of internationally renowned photographer Liam Sharp, members of three First Nations invite people to take positive steps towards reconciliation and a future of wellbeing for First Nations and all children and youth in Canada.

June 3 -4, 9:00 – 17:00 and June 5, 9:00 – 14:00 in the Congress Hub – booths #9-13

 

Heart Garden at Congress

Congress 2015 is growing a Heart Garden to share its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Visit Expo booth #76 from June 3 to 5, opposite the Caring Across Boundaries photo exhibition, to plant your own heart.

Image credits (top to bottom): Truth and Reconciliation Commission, University of Winnipeg, Trudeau Foundation, First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, Heart Garden campaign.