September 30, 2025

In honour of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), several institutions across the country are holding special ceremonies and gatherings. Some, such as Brandon University, McGill University, Memorial University, Thompson Rivers University, and Yellowquill University College, held smudging ceremonies and hosted special speakers in the days leading up to NDTR. Several institutions—such as the University of King’s College and the University of Saskatchewan—planned special flag ceremonies where the community gathered for remarks before raising the Survivors’ Flag on campus. At Algoma University, Royal Roads University, and the University of British Columbia, community members walked together on special tours and marches.

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) has announced a commitment of $950K to provide tuition support to Six Nations students enrolled at Six Nations Polytechnic. The funds will be distributed in $50K increments yearly for the next 19 years. “This commitment will help enrich the community by providing students with the resources they need to complete integral programs at SNP, including Indigenous language programming,” said SNGRDC Executive Director of Corporate Administration Nicole Kohoko. The scholarship marks $2.46M that has been earmarked by SNGRDC for Six Nations postsecondary students to date.

In two recent reflections, University of Alberta Assistant Dean, First Nations, Métis and Inuit students Shana Dion (Kehewin Cree Nation) and University of Victoria Acting President Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas (Lyackson First Nation) discuss the 10-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Dion details her experience learning about residential schools during her undergraduate studies, her desire to learn more, and her reaction to her father’s story. Thomas reflects on the impacts of residential school and the associated generational trauma, including how three generations of her own family members attended residential schools. “For educational leaders across Canada, we must recognize that there are teachings that show us how to do work in a good way,” writes Thomas.

Several institutions have shared special resources and online learning opportunities to ensure their communities can learn about Indigenous history, culture, and the Truth and Reconciliation journey from anywhere. Concordia University, Ontario Tech University, and Trent University were among those that shared guidebooks, virtual tours, and other learning tools to help their community understand key concepts related to NDTR. Some institutions shared special courses, such as First Nations University’s “Advancing Re(al)conciliation” course and Université de Montréal’s Place aux Premiers Peuples self-directed training course. The libraries of institutions such as Saint Mary’s University and Western University also put together reading lists to bring Indigenous-authored literature to the attention of their communities.

The Yellowhead Institute, an Indigenous-led think tank based out of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Arts, is hoping to establish a greater presence across Dene and Inuit lands. Yellowhead Executive Director Hayden King said that the institute hopes to bring more Northern Indigenous authors to conversations around issues such as Indigenous sovereignty and land use, which have historically been dominated by non-Indigenous professionals. “Yellowhead can be a useful tool for people seeking to intervene in those discussions and provide a more community-based critical perspective that people can talk about, mobilize around and push for alternative solutions,” said King. In the future, the institute also reportedly hopes to have physical offices across Canada.

Holland College has formed an Indigenous Advisory Committee, which held its inaugural meeting this month. The committee will be responsible for ensuring Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and teachings are integrated into the college’s decision-making processes. In addition to representatives from the college, the committee involves representatives from Abegweit First Nation, Native Council of PEI, and Lennox Island First Nation, as well as the University of Prince Edward Island. “We’re humbled to provide a new avenue to weave Indigenous perspectives into decisions made by the college,” said Holland College Culture and Inclusion Advisor Sasha Nandlal.

While some progress has been made to increase the number of Indigenous healthcare workers, more is needed, argues Jamaica Cass, director of the Queen’s-Weeneebayko Health Education Partnership at Queen’s University. Cass notes the need to ensure Indigenous students can succeed in health education in order to ensure communities can benefit from culturally safe, long-term healthcare providers, and asserts that this can be accomplished by letting Indigenous peoples lead in these areas. She points to the success of several Indigenous-led programs, but notes the system-wide changes needed to continue improving conditions for Indigenous students in health education. In particular, she encourages changes to address issues related to cost, K-12 education quality, and racism and isolation faced by Indigenous students.

For Orange Shirt Day, several institutions are raising funds for the Orange Shirt Society and other initiatives by selling shirts designed by their students and graduates. McMaster University student Talon Singleton (Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation) designed a shirt with a child in front of a sun, symbolizing life and hope. Red River College Polytechnic Nursing student Dasia Chatkanas’s shirt features a scene of footprints moving between the trees. The shirt by Selkirk College graduate Kamala Melzack features three children—representing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit—with a bear and four ancestors or Elders. University of Toronto Mississauga student MJ Singleton (Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation) designed a shirt depicting a mother holding hands with her two children. Wilfrid Laurier University student Arrianna Carello (Henvey Inlet First Nation) designed a shirt featuring a circle of braided sweetgrass, the Grand River, and two hands reaching out to each other.

Medicine Hat College recently hosted the Kainai Chieftainship Ceremony, where the Blood Tribe inducted two new Honorary Chiefs. Elder Jim Langston explained that “when you are inducted into the Chieftainship, you become part of the Blood Tribe… We contribute as best we can to the security, the future, the education, and all kinds of things involving the Blood Tribe.” Medicine Hat MLA Robert (Bob) E Wanner and First Nations lawyer Joanne Crook became Honorary Chiefs. Wanner received the Blackfoot name iitis ooks kah sii – The One Who Runs In Front, to reflect his leadership during his career in social work and public service, while Crook received the name Aah Pom aa kii – A Woman From Across The Water.

The University of Manitoba has unveiled a new education pathway for Access Program students interested in a career in teaching. “Hoka Canku – the Blue Heron Pathway to Education”—named for the traits of balance, determination, grace, and patience held by its namesake—will connect students with the Faculty of Education throughout their studies with the goal of promoting the faculty to Access Program students. UManitoba Faculty of Education Dean Jan Stewart explained that the program offers a solution to the province’s critical need for teachers, particularly for Indigenous communities.