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 both take place on September 30, are a time to reflect on the multi-generational impact of the Canadian residential schooling system, which still affects the VCC community to this present day. It gives us the chance to reflect on Canada’s history and the importance of reconciliation.

VCC supports the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day by inviting employees and students to take part in a series of initiatives hosted across the college, such as:

• Available now: an online activity to honour Orange Shirt Day, in partnership with the Library and the Walking Together Group. The practice came about after residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad's orange shirt was taken from her on the first day of school. This act represented the loss of her identity and culture – it now serves as an important symbol of reconciliation and hope for a better future.
• September 22: flag raising ceremony at the VCC Broadway Campus.
• September 23 (Downtown Campus) & September 25 (Broadway Campus): college events featuring speakers, cultural teachings, and opportunities to engage with the deeper history and meaning of Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The journey towards truth and reconciliation is ongoing and does not rely solely on one day. I hope you will join me at one of the many events offered at the college throughout the month that recognize and honour the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples to this country.

With gratitude,

Ajay Patel 
President and CEO 
Vancouver Community College