Lakeland College commemorates Truth & Reconciliation Week

In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Lakeland College is hosting a variety of events to recognize the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools during Truth and Reconciliation Week.

“Acknowledging and learning from our shared history, as well as honouring survivors of residential schools and their families is an important part of our role as an educational institution and an ally to Indigenous Peoples,” says Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “We are committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Providing opportunities for our campus community to learn more about Indigenous languages, culture and community is a priority for Lakeland.”

During Truth and Reconciliation Week, Sept. 26-29, the following events and activities will be available for staff and students to participate in and share their support:

• Medicine Walks, with Knowledge Keeper Jazmyn Gartner, at the Vermilion and Lloydminster campuses.
• A Blanket Exercise at the Vermilion campus
• The Education is Our New Buffalo event at the Lloydminster campus.

Event details are available on the Lakeland App.

Throughout September, two exhibits from the Canadian Language Museum will also be on display in Lakeland’s libraries. Cree Voices Across Canada will be available at the Lloydminster campus and Beyond Words: Dictionaries and Indigenous Language at Vermilion. The interactive displays will move to the other respective campus on Sept. 15. Members of the public are invited to check out these exhibits as well.

On Friday, Sept. 30, Lakeland College will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Campuses will be closed.

On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed legislation that designates Sept. 30 of each year as a public holiday under the Canada Labour Code. It also coincides with Orange Shirt Day.

Lakeland also partnered with the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Education to share a new opportunity with all staff: 4 Seasons of Reconciliation. The online course provides the basic foundation for the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Together, we can create a stronger sense of belonging and inclusiveness, and better support our students and staff,” says Wainwright-Stewart. “With the recent tragedy at James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, we know how important being of service is to each other. We’ve ensured supports are in place to assist those students and staff affected.”

Lakeland’s Indigenous Support Services (ISS) team offers a range of personal and academic resources to help students, including Circles for Reconciliation. This program is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Throughout the academic year, ISS plans a variety of events and activities. ISS works with the Indigenous Student Committee on a number of initiatives as well, including The Red Dress Project, Indigenous Awareness Week and more.

Last year, three members of the Indigenous Student Committee created a land acknowledgement for Lakeland. Kiera Comeau, Samantha O’Reilly and Ryan Powder wrote the askīyiwimamīhcītotamowin. The English translation of this Cree concept is the act of acknowledging the earth (land).

Lakeland is located in the heart of Treaty 6 Territory and Region 2 of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Photos: Top - Three members of our Indigenous Student Committee created a land acknowledgement for Lakeland College. Kiera Comeau, Samantha O’Reilly and  Ryan Powder wrote the askīyiwimamīhcītotamowin. Bottom – Teepees are annually raised at each campus.