Participatory workshop, inauguration of a mural, commemorative walk, exhibition at the library and awareness kiosk: these activities took place yesterday on the Trois-Rivières campus of UQTR, to mark the National Day for Truth and reconciliation.
“Held every year on September 30, this Day pays tribute to the victims and survivors of residential schools as well as their loved ones. At UQTR, we wanted to mark this event by bringing together members of the university community around various activities allowing them to express their solidarity with the First Peoples. Many people have joined this movement, which pleases us greatly. I also highlight the valuable collaboration of the Trois-Rivières Native Friendship Center, with whom we co-organized the participatory workshop and the commemorative walk,” mentions Samuel Rainville, Innu member of the Pessamit community and director of relations and commitment to First Peoples at UQTR.
Better understand indigenous realities
On the afternoon of September 30, nearly 80 people gathered at the University’s CEU atrium to participate in a workshop entitled Putting reconciliation into action. This training was intended for stakeholders from organizations offering services to Indigenous people.
Led by Samuel Rainville, this workshop allowed participants to identify the issues encountered by members of Indigenous nations and to better identify opportunities for creating meaningful alliances with First Peoples stakeholders. Multidisciplinary artist Eruoma Awashish also participated in this activity.
Inauguration of a mural at the Department of Nursing
At the end of the afternoon, the Department of Nursing at UQTR inaugurated a mural created by Atikamekw artist Eruoma Awashish, originally from Opitciwan. Located at 4e floor of the Health pavilion, this work represents two caribou, very important animals among the First Peoples and which the natives and non-natives must take care of. This mural takes on a unique character by evoking a message of collaboration, light and welcome from the First Nations.
This mural project is intended to be an action towards reconciliation and a symbol of commitment of the Department of Nursing. The inauguration of the work took place in the presence of Eruoma Awashish who explained her artistic approach. Created last June, the mural is clearly visible since it is located near the elevator access, in the heart of the Department of Nursing.
Memorial march and Orange sweater
At the start of the evening, around 300 people gathered on the outdoor Gilles-Boulet square at UQTR to join a commemorative march for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Among the participants, note the presence of the rector of UQTR, the mayor of Trois-Rivières, members of the board of directors and management of the University as well as representatives of the General Association of Students of UQTR.
After a short ceremony led by Jacques Newashish, Indigenous Elder in residence at UQTR and originally from the Atikamekw community of Wemotaci, as well as a speech by the rector of the University, the walkers headed towards the Trois-Rivières port park. They were welcomed there by the musical group Northern Voice and were able to hear speeches and testimonies.
During this march, and throughout the day of September 30, members of the university community were invited to wear an orange sweater, to join a commemoration movement from indigenous communities, entitled Orange Shirt Day . The latter aims to raise awareness of the intergenerational consequences of residential schools on individuals, families and communities, and to promote the concept “Every Child Counts”.
Awareness kiosk
UQTR Student Services also marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in a special way, by holding an awareness kiosk in the Gilles-Boulet hall of the Albert-Tessier pavilion. On site, orange sweaters and ribbon stickers were distributed and information was sent to visitors.
The UQTR Student Services kiosk aimed at raising awareness of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was hosted by Anthony Caron, Indigenous student support advisor.
Exhibition at the Roy-Denommé library
Also during the day of September 30, the UQTR Library Service launched an exhibition featuring various works and essays written by members of the First Peoples. Held in the reception area of the Roy-Denommé library from September 30 to October 31, this exhibition aims to showcase the talent of First Nations, Inuit and Métis authors published in French in Canada and to raise awareness of the realities of these communities.
