No classes at Grenfell tomorrow so students have an event today to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Kristen Pittman is the Manager, Indigenous Affairs with the Indigenous Resource Centre at Grenfell Campus and says it starts at 11 a.m. with a flag raising, the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association will be there, and they will do a commemorative walk around campus. Please wear orange. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and communities. Each year, on  September 30th gatherings talk of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, which is a vital part of the reconciliation process. Kristen Pittman is the Manager, Indigenous Affairs with the Indigenous Resource Centre at Grenfell Campus. Yesterday, the group celebrated their 9th annual All Nations Powwow at the Arts and Science Atrium. She says there are no classes tomorrow so today they will be marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at an event open to the public. It starts at 11 a.m. with a flag raising, the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association will be there, and they will do a commemorative walk around campus. Please wear orange. 

Pittman says there are 324 Indigenous students on campus, which is about 25 percent of the total and is also an increase over last year. She says there is no moving forward until there is reconciliation and truth, and it’s important students feel represented throughout the year. One example is the student Indigenous caucus which creates a real family community and connection. 

Pittman says reconciliation has to be a communal effort.