Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Friday, Sept. 30, 2022

Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is an annual opportunity for Canadians to recognize and reflect on the injustices of the residential school experience, as well as honour those who didn’t make it home, the survivors and their families. It is a time for transparent education and to explore the lasting impact of Canada’s colonial history. SAIT will commemorate Orange Shirt Day this year by organizing a discussion panel. The institution is open, but classes and labs are cancelled. Students and employees are encouraged to spend the day learning, thinking deeply and reflecting on the meaning of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Digital resources will be made available, and students and employees are encouraged to attend our in-person discussion panel, as well as events throughout the city.

Intercultural Forum: Get Ready for Orange Shirt Day - EVENT CANCELLED


Survivor Storytelling and Discussion Panel: Why is Truth and Reconciliation important? - EVENT SOLD OUT

Join Victor Buffalo, Distinguished SAIT Alumnus CHT ’64, who will share his story of attending Indian Residential School and answer questions from the audience. Following a short break, a discussion panel, featuring students, employees and Indigenous community members will explore the necessity of Truth and Reconciliation. The panel will be hosted by Jean Dube, Indigenous Liaison, SAIT and feature Rod Scout, Elder, Siksika Nation as one of the panelists. The panel will be followed by a question and answer segment to allow for audience participation.

• Friday, Sept. 30, 2022
• Noon – 2 pm
• Macdonald Hall, AA 114, Heritage Hall, SAIT Main Campus

  

Ways to get involved

Through the generous support of donors, SAIT is able to provide student awards and emergency funding to Indigenous students pursuing their educational dreams at SAIT. Donations have a direct impact on Inuit, Métis and First Nations students at SAIT and their communities.

Please consider making a gift to one of the two funds below to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.

Kohkoms Kahsagahetin Endowment Fund. Kohkoms Kahsagahetin is an endowment fund established to provide emergency assistance for Indigenous students in times of unforeseen financial crisis. The fund provides one-time financial support to students referred from advisors and mentors – from help with grocery cards to paying for utilities. A gift to this fund can make the difference between an Indigenous student dropping out and graduating.

Métis Education Foundation Endowment Fund. The Métis Education Foundation Endowment Fund was created to provide Métis Scholar Awards on an annual basis in perpetuity. The Métis Scholar Awards are a significant milestone for Métis student success, removing financial obstacles and improving the quality of life for students and their families. Ruperstland Institute, on behalf of the Métis Education Foundation have committed to providing $2 for every $1 donated to the Métis Education Foundation Endowment Fund, up to $500,000.



How can I support Orange Shirt Day?

Register to attend the discussion panel to learn about the lasting impacts of colonialization and the inter-generational trauma inflicted by the residential school system. - intercultural forum is cancelled and discussion panel is sold out.

Wear an orange t-shirt on Friday, Sept. 30.

Buy an orange t-shirt from SAIT (100% of proceeds will support Kohkoms Kahsagahetin Endowment Fund). - SHIRTS SOLD OUT

Support Indigenous students at SAIT by donating now to our the Kohkoms Kahsagahetin and Métis Education Foundation Endowment Fund.

Download SAIT’s Orange Shirt Day virtual background for Teams and Zoom