President’s Message - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

Dear VCC community,

I would like to begin by acknowledging that Vancouver Community College is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, which take place on September 30, are an opportunity to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system, and to honour Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors, their families and communities. They also remind us of our shared responsibility to advance truth and reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis (Jack) Webstad's story of her first day at residential school when her new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year-old girl. Her story has become a powerful reminder of what the residential school system took from generations of Indigenous children, their families, cultures, languages, identities and sense of belonging, and of the fundamental truth that Every Child Matters.

This year, VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department is creating opportunities for students and employees to come together, learn, reflect, and engage with this important work:

September 22, 12 – 1 p.m.: Orange Shirt Day at the Downtown Campus, room 420. The event will focus on deepening our understanding of the history of residential schools, reflecting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and exploring our individual and collective responsibilities as we continue the work of reconciliation. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange.

September 29, 12 –1 p.m.: Flag Raising Ceremony at the Broadway Campus main entrance. The ceremony will offer space for reflection and recognition of the lasting impacts of residential schools, as well as the strength of Indigenous Survivors, families and communities.

Truth and reconciliation cannot be confined to a single day. As an educational institution, VCC has a particular responsibility to continue learning, listening and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities, and to ensure this work is reflected in how we teach, learn and serve our community.

 I encourage you to take time to learn about our shared history, reflect on the Calls to Action, and consider how we can each contribute to the work of reconciliation in our community and beyond.

I am grateful to our Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team, and to the Indigenous leaders, Knowledge Keepers and community members who continue to guide and support VCC in this work.

With gratitude,

Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College