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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Wearing an orange shirt on September 30 is one way to show respect for indigenous communities while helping to encourage difficult but necessary conversations about Canada’s dark history pertaining to Indian residential day and industrial schools. Alyssa Mcleod Indigenous Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Ontario Tech University

Thursday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day for education and reflection on Canada’s involvement in the former residential school system as well as the intergenerational impacts it has had on Indigenous communities. It is a day of recognition, remembrance and respect for survivors of residential schools.

For more information, contact indigenous@ontariotechu.ca.

Events

Indigenous Education and Cultural Services, the President’s Reconciliation Task Force and Durham College are pleased to offer a number of opportunities for members of the Ontario Tech community to engage in learning and reflection on Canada's involvement in the former residential school system. Events are still being added and we encourage you to check the website regularly.

  • Make a reconciliation pledge

    Between Monday, September 27 and Thursday, September 30, you are encouraged to reflect on and share pledges of commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

    Online:

    You can join the conversation by sharing your pledge, testimonial or commitment to reconciliation on social media. You can also show your support by creating a video or sharing a photo wearing an orange shirt.

    • Use the hashtag #DCOTReconciliation
    • Tag Ontario Tech:
      • Instagram - @ontariotechu
      • Facebook - Ontario Tech University
      • Twitter - @ontariotech_u

    In-person:

    Students and employees can pledge their commitment to reconciliation in writing. Reconciliation pledge booths will be available to provide the campus community with an opportunity to share their pledges on orange paper t-shirt cut outs, which will then be displayed in various campus locations.

    Representatives from Indigenous Education and Cultural Services, the Reconciliation Task Force and Ontario Tech Ambassadors will be available at the pledge booths to answer questions and speak to the significance of Orange Shirt Day and the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

    When: Monday, September 27 to Wednesday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Where:

    • 61 Charles Street building
    • Science Building West Atrium
  • Purchase an orange shirt

    Purchase an orange shirt

    A limited number of orange shirts are available for purchase. If you would like to purchase an orange shirt as part of your support for Orange Shirt Day, you can do so. T-shirts will be available for pick up at Mukwa’s Den in Shawenjigewining Hall or the Baagwating Indigenous Centre. When your T-shirt is ready, you will receive an email with pick up instructions.

    The 2021 Orange T-shirts have been created by Indigenous maker Nish Tees. The T-shirt features the Amik (Beaver) who is part of the 7 Grandfather Teachings and represents wisdom (nibwaakaawin). Proceeds from T-shirt sales will be donated to Sage and Sunshine, a culture-based Indigenous school.

  • Indian Horse film screening

    Indian Horse, directed by Stephen Campanelli

    The movie follows the life of Canadian First Nations boy, Saul Indian Horse. A talented hockey player and residential school survivor, Saul must find his own path as he battles stereotypes and alcoholism amidst the racism of the 1970s.

    On September 30, there will be one in-person screening, as well as an option to watch on your own. The in-person showing will include a brief 10-minute introduction to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including the Principles of Reconciliation and progress reports on the 94 Calls to Action; and will conclude with a 30-minute sharing circle for those individuals wishing to engage in a brief discussion after the film.

    Thursday, September 30,
    Global Classroom, Centre for Collaborative Education, Room 145
    from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    REGISTER on eventbrite

    Watch online on your own

    If after watching the film, you would like to debrief, please connect with Jill Thompson, Indigenous Cultural Advisor by emailing indigenous@ontariotechu.ca .

  • Community of Practice: Indigenizing and Decolonizing for Reconciliation

    September 30, from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

    Join us for a talk on Ontario Tech’s new Community of Practice: Indigenizing and Decolonizing for Reconciliation, hosted by Dr. Kaitlyn Watson, a Faculty Development Officer in the Teaching and Learning Centre. Kaitlyn’s curricular, pedagogical, and research interests focus on equity, decolonization and reconciliation.

    Access the virtual meeting on Zoom

  • Reflection space

    September 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Visit the Library's Fireside Reading Room at the north Oshawa campus location and find a space for reflection where you can complete your own pledge to advance Truth and Reconciliation. (Bring your own pen/pencil!)

    While you are here, take some time to learn about the Ontario Tech Library's Dream Catcher installation from Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Rick Bourque.

  • Information session: Legacy of Hope

    September 30, Online

    Legacy of Hope is a charity that focuses on educating Canadians on the inter-generational impacts of the Residential School System, the Sixties Scoop, Day School and other means of cultural oppression against Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities. They are offering a live teaching session about Orange Shirt Day on September 30.

  • Learning opportunities and resources

    Community members wishing to learn more about truth and reconciliation are encouraged to access the resources available through the campus library including ebooks, Indigenous languages learning, treaties recognition information and more.

    Library resource guide

    There are a number of external resources available for additional learning.

    About reconciliation:

    About Residential Schools:

    About taking action:

    These resources discuss ideas about how you can commit to reconciliation.

Additional self-directed learning