Date/Time
Date(s) - 30/09/2022
8:30 am - 11:30 am

On September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, we affirm the importance of continuing to learn and reflect on Canada’s history with Indigenous Peoples. We would like to invite all staff, faculty members, and learners to join us for an in-person learning and community-building experience. We also welcome all residents whose clinical or other commitments enable them to join us. We are committed to removing any barriers to attending.

What to bring

• Attendees are encouraged to wear their orange shirts in support of the “Every Child Matters” campaign
• A non-perishable food item that will be collectively donated to the Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg Food Bank in Hamilton. Donations such as hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene items, deodorant), pet food (cats and dogs), cleaning items, diapers and wipes, baking items (flour, sugar, oil, etc.) and canned and dry goods.
• Smart device and headphones (you are also welcome to listen to the resources without headphones or engage in the reading materials)
• Pen/pencil

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our EDI & Anti-Racism Partner Nirosha Balakumar at balakn1@mcmaster.ca.

McMaster University has events and resources ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Event agenda

Location 1

Bayfront Park, 200 Harbour Front Dr, Hamilton, ON L8L 1C8

8:30 to 9:00 a.m.: Travel to Bayfront Park*

9:00 to 9:15 a.m.: Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

9:15 to 9:45 a.m.: Community Walk and podcast – Telling Our Twisted Histories  – Reconciliation

*For those that wish to walk from DBHSC to Bayfront Park, please meet at the rear doors at 8:30 a.m. For those travelling from Stonechurch to Bayfront Park, the coach will also be leaving at 8:30 a.m. If you are driving, please consider carpooling if possible.

Location 2

David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 2nd Floor Auditorium, 100 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6

9:45 to 10:15 a.m.: Travel time back to DBHSC

10:15 to 10:30 a.m.: Refreshments & Food Bank Donations

10:30 to 11:20 a.m.: Kitchen Table Dialogue for reconciliation (discussion & breakout groups)

11:20 to 11:30 a.m.: Closing

Suggested Learning Material

This order is suggested but not mandatory – feel free to explore other materials around the theme of Reconciliation, as it will be core to engaging in our discussion.

Pre-Session

TEDxTalk: Truth and Reconciliation | Kevin Lamoureux | TEDxUniversityofWinnepeg (19:10)

Community Walk at Bayfront Park

Podcast: Telling Our Twisted Histories – Reconciliation (25:09)

Post-Session

Spotify: Indigenous Canada

Apple Music: Indigenous Peoples Day

YouTube: Indigenous Music Canada Playlist

Additional Recommended Reading

Reconciliation Dialogue Workshop: Discussion Guide

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

Statement on the Second Anniversary of the Death of Joyce Echaquan

Supports Available

We understand that as much as this day can be one of learning, unlearning and understanding it can also be one of healing, pain, trauma and remembrance. For those seeking support, you can access the following resources:
 
For Indigenous faculty, staff and learners

• Indigenous Student Services
• Indigenous Wellness Counsellor: Andrew Nussey – nusseya@mcmaster.ca
• Indigenous Wellness Counsellor: Brittany Vincze – 905-525-914 ext. 27987
• Elder in Residence Program: indigsc@mcmaster.ca
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
• Talk4Healing (Indigenous Women Only): 1-855-554-HEAL
• Indian Residential School Survivors and Family: 1-866-925-4419
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066

For all faculty, staff and learners

• Equity & Inclusion Office: equity@mcmaster.ca
• McMaster Employee and Family Assistance Program:
• COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team): 905-972-8338, Toll-free – 1-844-972-8338
• Student Wellness Centre: wellness@mcmaster.ca
• MSU Student Assistance Program Counselling: Undergraduate – 1-877-390-7325, Graduate – 1-844-741-6389
• Nirosha Balakumar, DFM EDI and Anti-Racism Partner: balakn1@mcmaster.ca