September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Indigenous peoples in Canada have long lived with the painful legacy of residential schools. The Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ask us to aid in the healing process by acknowledging the history of the residential school system, and working towards creating systems to prevent these abuses from happening again.
Thanks to the leadership and dedication of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of our community, McMaster has begun this journey.
We have taken critical steps in advancing Indigenous scholarship, celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing and building deeper connections with Indigenous communities. These include the recently established Indigenous Studies Department and master’s program in Indigenous Studies.
This spring, McMaster announced the creation of the Indigenous student bursary to reduce financial and other barriers for Indigenous students, and announced a new vice-provost, Indigenous position, which will ensure there is an Indigenous voice at McMaster’s senior leadership tables.
We are also working with Indigenous communities across the university to remove systemic barriers and to develop opportunities and initiatives that support the success of Indigenous faculty, staff and students.
While we have taken important steps forward, there is still much to do.
From September 23 to 30, there are many opportunities on campus and in the community for faculty, staff and students to continue that learning.
As an institution of higher learning, McMaster has a unique responsibility to continue the important work of building an environment in which Indigenous faculty, staff and students can thrive. We remain committed to taking concrete actions to address the injustices, prejudice, systemic barriers and discrimination that Indigenous peoples continue to face.
While September 30 provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of the residential school system and to renew our collective commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation on our campus and in our communities, the important work of reconciliation happens every day, in actions large and small.
I invite the entire McMaster community to take action to support Truth and Reconciliation – on September 30 and throughout the year.
David Farrar
President and Vice-Chancellor