All events related to National Truth and Reconciliation in September 2025
written by Leanne Joe
People always ask, “what can I do to show support?” or “how do I get involved?”
The Teaching and Learning Centre team are pleased to share some opportunities in the week leading up to September 30th. They are open for all faculty and staff to join in the learning activities by emailing TLCevents@ufv.ca.
- Leq’á:leqel – Internationalizing Indigenization through multilingual storytelling of Indigenization journeys
- Tuesday, September 23 – ONLINE at 12pm Special Edition Chat-I and Chat-S
- Join Leanne and Victoria with the group of faculty and staff who shared their stories to create videos for future learning.
- Pining for Needles
- Thursday, September 18 – IN-PERSON (CEP, Room A2428) at 11:30am-12:30pm
- Wednesday, September 24 – IN-PERSON (Abbotsford, Room G124) at 12-1pm
- Join Lorna to learn the history and importance of pine trees, needles, and baskets with modern practices and discussions over lunch.
- Allyship Lunch and Learn
- Thursday, September 25 – ONLINE at 12-1pm.
- This Allyship in Action project’s aim was to explore the experiences of faculty who are engaging in their journeys of decolonization and Indigenization – successes, challenges, unwelcome truths, and future pathways. The report is inspiring and informative to our vision as an institution committed to these goals.
- A Day of Reflection
- Friday, September 26
- We invite you to share your learning, intentions, and commitments on our Reconcili-Action Padlet
- Reconcili-Action Literacy Luncheon
- Monday, September 29 – IN-PERSON (CEP, Gathering Place) at 11am-3pm
- You are called to action – (for sustainability, please bring your reusable cups, plates, and cutlery)
- Please join Claire in setting the table to share your favourite dish with the Indigenous faculty, staff, and students at UFV.
- You can see here and sign up for what is needed and what others are bringing to coordinate the menu choices.
- We will also be hosting an Indigenous book exchange to celebrate Indigenous authors and their brilliance. Please bring any Indigenous authored books that you would like to donate, or exchange, or sell.
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Tuesday, September 30
- Remember to wear your Orange Shirts – we encourage you to participate in one of the reconciliation events close to your home and share with us your experiences on our Padlet.
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and became a statutory holiday in 2023 because it was the time of year that Indigenous children were removed from their homes and forced to attend residential schools. It is a difficult time for many who are going through the grieving and learning processes that bring with up many emotions as we reflect on the history and work towards reconciliation. It is so important that we use this time to do the learning and to support each other as we journey through the Truth and Reconciliation events shared by UFV. We aim to cultivate safe and welcoming learning environments for everyone, no matter where they are on their Indigenization journey. On this day especially, we would like to set the table to thank our Indigenous faculty, staff and students for their patience, grace, and humility while we learn about decolonization, Indigenization, and Reconciliation.
During this difficult time, please take a moment to reach out and check on Indigenous Faculty, Staff and Students that you are connected with.
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Support for faculty and staff is available through the UFV Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, Homewood Health. Homewood provides immediate, confidential help and may be contacted, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll free at 1-800-663-1142.
