The importance of creating pathways for an equitable future where all voices are heard was a key message shared at the Truth and Reconciliation commemoration ceremony held September 30th at StFX. A packed crowd filled the Joyce Family Atrium as several speakers shared messages on the ongoing journey toward reconciliation, including the importance of allyship.
Reconciliation isn’t one day of the year. It is an ongoing journey. And it is up to all of us, not just one group, to shoulder the responsibility, and to work together for a better future, were important messages shared at the event.
“Looking around the room today and seeing all of you brings me hope,” said Terena Francis, Coordinator of Indigenous Student Affairs at StFX, who offered her thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation Day.
It would be hard even five years ago to imagine this number of people coming together, she said.
Ms. Francis recalled the feelings she had that day in 2021 when she learned that unmarked graves containing the remains of 215 children were found in B.C. at a former residential school.
While she thought she had already experienced and seen so much, Ms. Francis recalled “that day was different for me.”
She described feeling heavy and weighed down, and remembers speaking with Kerry Prosper, StFX Elder on Campus. Mr. Prosper said he would prepare a sweat for her. During this experience, Ms. Francis recalled how she was able to pray for her people, to have positive thoughts, and to clear her mind. While the sadness remained, to be able to heal in a traditional way, helped a bit with the heavy feelings.
“We need those opportunities,” she said, “to have space to share and practice.”
Ms. Francis also spoke of the growing dedication and allyship, allies who are making space and doing what is right. “To me, that’s reconciliation.”
MORE THAN OUR TRAUMA
Michelle Peters, a PhD in Education student at StFX and a Mi’kmaw clinical therapist with a private practice from Pictou Landing First Nation, NS, brought a message of hope and healing.
“We are not just our trauma,” Ms. Peters said as she noted that it is very important that we acknowledge the challenges and the legacy of residential schools.
It is important too to have balance. As a descendent of residential and day school survivors, Ms. Peters spoke of the strength of survivors, of their resiliency, their principle and values, and of the impact they have had.
“They are not just survivors. They are educators,” she said, and it is important to see their strength, their value, and the beautiful things they bring.
Ceremony emcee, student Julia Baniak, a descendent of residential school survivors, welcomed all to the event and welcomed Elder Prosper to the podium to share a prayer and to explain the smudging ceremony that he performed earlier that morning.
GATHER TO REMEMBER AND MOVE FORWARD
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin said today, on this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we gather to remember the painful legacy of residential schools and colonial policies and reflect on the profound impact this has had on Indigenous Peoples across all of Canada. We also gather to further commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
“At StFX, we have taken steps forward in this journey. Our new Academic Plan foregrounds Truth and Reconciliation, centering the Calls to Action as a key part of our institutional mission. In every area—research, teaching, and service—the Calls to Action challenge us to deepen our understanding and our responsibilities as treaty people.”
Our path towards reconciliation is evolving, he said. It touches every aspect of what we do. “It is essential that as an academic community, we rise to the challenge. I encourage our faculty to integrate reconciliation into their scholarship, to engage with Indigenous histories, knowledges, and perspectives in our classrooms, and to extend these teachings into service work that creates meaningful, lasting change.”
We must create pathways for all of us, for all our voices to be heard, he said.
As we move forward, Dr. Hakin said let us not forget that reconciliation also calls us to honour the Peace and Friendship Treaties—agreements rooted in mutual respect, which continue to guide relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities here in Mi’kma’ki, and across this great country. “These treaties remind us of the importance of nation-to-nation dialogue, collaboration, and partnership.”
Dr. Hakin said as an institution, we are taking active steps to better understand when we say we are all treating people. Just recently, significant learning took place on campus with the Learning Lodges and events of "The Marshall Decision @25: Honouring the Future of Peace and Friendship Treaties." Dr. Hakin thanked all involved.
“It does not rest on a single group’s shoulder. We must do this together,” he said.
“In every facet and every form, let’s take a comprehensive approach to reconciliation. It must live in our policies, our practices, and most importantly, our actions. This work requires all of us, across the university and beyond, to reflect on our responsibilities, to listen deeply, and to act with courage.”
Liam Robinson and Sam O’Quinn, students in Anthropology 332, provided reflections on pathways to reconciliation.
This is not an Indigenous problem. It is a Canadian problem. It is not just about remembering. It is about acting. We all have power to work together for a better future, they said.
Ms. Baniak invited all those gathered to tie an orange ribbon on the fence just outside the building and to take a moment to contemplate their commitment to reconciliation.
Aaron Prosper, a member of Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers (who concluded the day with a free concert in the Schwartz Auditorium,) closed the ceremony with a song and a message that it is important to think of reconciliation and it is important to remember all survivors.
UPCOMING EVENTS CELEBRATE MI’KMAW HISTORY MONTH
As StFX celebrates Mi’kmaw History Month, taking place in October, numerous events are planned to celebrate. These include a Treaty Day Tree Ceremony taking place at 1 p.m. on Oct. 1 in the Coady Garden. On Oct. 2, the Office of Indigenous Student Affairs and Visible@X host Sisters in Spirit, Take Back the Night, with poster making from 4-6 p.m. at 4th SUB, a rally and march from 6-7 p.m. at Kiknu/Coady Garden, and cookies, cocoa, and conversation from 7-10 p.m. at Bloomfield Hub.
Additional activities throughout the month include drum making and medicine pouch workshops, a nature walk, as well as a Lunch and Learn with Gerald Gloade. Most of these activities are by sign-up and interested people are asked to contact Terena Francis, Coordinator, Indigenous Student Affairs at @email or (902) 867-5413.
