Page 18 - GreenMaster Fall 2024

uFEATUREuDR. SARA STRICKER, Communications Coordinator, Guelph Turfgrass Institute CARA WEHKAMP, Assistant Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives, University of Guelph
Truth and Rec The Turf Indus
Indigenous: In the Canadian context, includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples as affirmed in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples consist of distinct, rights-bearing commu- nities and Nations.
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The National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation, observed on September 30th, is a day dedicated to honouring the survivors of residential schools and remembering the children who never returned home. Established as a federal statutory holiday in 2021, this day serves as a moment of reflection on the historical and ongoing impacts of these institutions, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children and often subjected them to neglect and abuse.
Orange shirt day beaded pin.
It also aligns with Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots First Nations movement that began in 2013, symbolizing the stripping away of self-esteem, culture, and freedom experienced by survivors, families, and communities. This day fosters public awareness and serves as a call to take steps in our ongoing journey towards reconciliation in Canada.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) ran from 2008 to 2015, resulting in 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and
Sweetgrass transplant at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute.