CBU Recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

To the University Community,

As our Island and our Province continue to recover from the aftermath of hurricane Fiona, I send you my very best and hope you are all safe and well. Despite all that is happening, it is important that we remember that today, our country recognizes and honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I encourage you, as best you can, to observe this important day, to commemorate the tragic history and lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system, and to honour Indigenous survivors and their families and communities.

We must continue on our shared journey of reconciliation and work together to eliminate systemic racism from all of our institutions.

We must start to spend time listening to Indigenous voices and building connections with Indigenous Elders, students, staff, faculty and leaders in our communities. We must engage in meaningful dialogue.

Amidst the chaos that surrounds us, if possible, I encourage you to take some time today to reflect and to honour, in some way, those who have been lost and to think about how we all play a role in making the years and decades ahead better.

Today is also orange shirt day. I encourage all of you to wear orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.

May we all reflect and learn on this most important day. Please take care and yourselves and each other.

 

Yours very truly,

David C. Dingwall