September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, fulfilling one of the 94 Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This day is meant to be a day of reflection to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
As we officially mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here in British Columbia, it is also a time for action. FPSE and our 18 member unions continue the difficult work of decolonizing our institutions and decolonizing our unions. We do so by embedding rights in our collective agreements that sustain the work of Indigenous faculty and ensure that Indigenous students have the supports they need to flourish. FPSE stands in solidarity with our Indigenous members and honour the journey they are on.
Much work remains to be done in rooting out the systemic and unconscious barriers faced by Indigenous faculty, staff, and students in our institutions. While we work to decolonize our structures and practices, we also call on university and college administrators and the provincial government to make meaningful investments in line with the Calls to Action.
Support for truth and reconciliation remains hollow unless Indigenous faculty and staff can work in an environment that values and strengthens Indigenous knowledge and learning and students can study on campuses that reflect their experience and acknowledge colonial history.
In addition to reflecting on what we can do to effect change and healing in the wake of the colonial legacy of the residential school system, we encourage all members to seek out events in their community. A comprehensive list can be found here.