Truth and Reconciliation at Congress

As thousands of scholars congregate in Ottawa for Congress 2015, the capital will be anticipating the release of the final report of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The report will contribute towards truth, healing and reconciliation in response to Indian Residential Schools.

Justice Sinclair, Chair of the TRC is the opening Big Thinking speaker at Congress on May 30^th and will offer a call for action towards reconciliation in Canada, including the role of universities in this process.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be hosting a number of public events in Ottawa during the week of Congress as part of their closing ceremonies. Check out the TRC website for further information on how to participate, including in the following key events:

• Walk for Reconciliation – Sunday, May 31
  Walk together in Ottawa to express your determination in rebuilding the relationships among Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians.

• TRC Final Report – Tuesday, June 2 at the Delta Ottawa

TRC Commissioners will release their findings on Indian Residential Schools. Join in person at Delta Ottawa, or tune in via webcast for this historic event.

At Congress:

A critical issue for Canadian academics, politicians and the public, the issue of Reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples will be explored at Congress through the following events:

	Big Thinking with Justice Murray Sinclair: What do we do about the legacy of Indian residential schools? Saturday, May 30, 2015, 12:15 - 13:15 in the Jock-Turcot University Centre, Alumni Auditorium Followed by panel: Reconciliation and the Academy: Building a social movement Saturday, May 30, 2015, 13:30 - 15:00 in Jock-Turcot UCU/Terminus
	Big Thinking with Jean Leclair: Imagining Canada in a disenchanted world Thursday, June 4, 2015, 12:15 - 13:15 in Sciences sociales FSS/4007
	Caring across boundaries: A photography exhibition Seen through the lens of internationally renowned photographer Liam Sharp, members of three First Nations invite people to take positive steps towards reconciliation and a future of wellbeing for First Nations and all children and youth in Canada. June 3 -4, 9:00 – 17:00 and June 5, 9:00 – 14:00 in the Congress Hub – booths #9-13
	Heart Garden at Congress Congress 2015 is growing a Heart Garden to share its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Visit Expo booth #76 from June 3 to 5, opposite the Caring Across Boundaries photo exhibition, to plant your own heart.

Image credits (top to bottom): Truth and Reconciliation Commission, University of Winnipeg, Trudeau Foundation, First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, Heart Garden campaign.