VIU welcomes yesterday’s news from the provincial government that BC will recognize the new federal statutory holiday – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – as a BC public sector holiday. VIU’s campuses and facilities will be closed on September 30 (except for the Library on the Nanaimo campus which is open 24/7); the day has been designated as a time to ‘recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.’
“I fully support the decision by the province to recognize this important day. It shows a similar commitment to that demonstrated by the federal government when they recognized September 30 as the federal statutory holiday,” says Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Taking clear concrete actions to further the truth and reconciliation process is a fundamental value of our institution – it is at the core of much of our work and is woven through our new Strategic Plan. I would like to acknowledge both governments for their commitment and for taking this critical step in support of truth and reconciliation.”
The day was created by the Government of Canada to respond to Call #80 of the Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which asked Canada 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.” The province is engaging in a consultation process with Indigenous groups and other stakeholders over the next year on how best to commemorate this day in the coming years.
This year, all members of VIU’s community are encouraged to engage in activities in their local communities that promote reconciliation. We will share more information soon about VIU events and activities we can engage in to commemorate Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
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