“Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practise reconciliation in our everyday lives—within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, schools, and workplaces. To do so constructively, Canadians must remain committed to the ongoing work of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships.”
― The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume One: Summary: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future
The way forward toward meaningful Truth and Reconciliation at Acadia University involves many paths. It’s continually evolving, sometimes uncomfortable, and always worthwhile. While this is a responsibility that we all share, we are grateful for the leadership and guidance of Acadia’s Office of L’nu Affairs and Indigenization, the Indigenous Education Advisory Council, and our Office of the Associate Vice-President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism.
Together, we’re working to:
- address the ongoing harms caused by colonialism and Canada’s residential school system;
- incorporate Indigenization on our campus and in our curriculums; and
- promote healing and greater understanding for all.
We are especially dedicated to supporting strong relationships, reconciliation, and moments of celebration with the first people of Mi’kma’ki, whose land our university calls home. Acadia University is proud to have a formal partnership with the Glooscap First Nation through a historic MOU that was signed in 2019.
A Message from Zabrina Whitman
Executive Advisor, Office of L’Nu Affairs and Indigenization
Read More
Every October, we recognize Mi'kmaq History Month. The Mi'kmaq are the First Nations people and earliest inhabitants of Nova Scotia and much of the Atlantic provinces.
To encourage greater knowledge and understanding about our local Indigenous communities and their experiences, three online learning modules are available to our entire Acadia community. These were developed by Acadia’s Indigenous Auntie Darlene Peters Copeland, our Elder-in-Residence Dr. Joe Michael, politics professor Dr. Cynthia Alexander, and students across campus:
The first module, called Juksutui (“listen to me” in Mi'kmaw), provides information about the impacts of colonialism that persist in Canada.
The second module, Nesutmalsewu’ti (“do you understand” in Mi’kmaw), explores Indigenous Peoples’ teaching and experiences more deeply. With the discovery of more unmarked graves on the sites of residential schools, Elder-in-Residence Dr. Joe Michael says the campus community is asked to explore Survivor stories and information for reflection and learning.
The third unit in the series, Nike (“now” in Mi’kmaw), is focused on Indigenous worldviews, values and ways of being. Darlene Peters Copeland serves as a guide throughout the Nike learning journey.
A chain of covenant treaties were signed between the British and the maritime Indigenous nations (the Mi’kmaq, the Wolastoqiyik and Passamaquoddy) in the 1700s. These treaties are called the Peace and Friendship Treaties. These treaties recognized that the Mi’kmaq were not going to leave their homeland but also that the newcomers to here would not leave. They recognized that settlers and Indigenous nations would have to learn to co-exist together. The treaties affirmed nation-to-nation relationships. Treaty Day occurs every year on October 1st. It launches Mi’kmaw History Month and is created to celebrate this beautiful relationship of living in peace and harmony with one another. It first was created in 1993 by Premier John Savage and Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy of the Mi’kmaw Grand Council (otherwise known in Mi’kmaw as the Santé Mawiomi). Mi’kmaq from across the province and beyond typically come together in Halifax on this day to celebrate our treaties.
Why does this day matter to you?
Just like the Constitution Act, the Criminal Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Treaties were created by leaders and individuals but apply to everyone. We are all treaty people. We all have a responsibility to respect one another and to respect each other’s differences. Specific to the relationship between settlers and Mi’kmaq, it is recognition that the Mi’kmaw are a governing nation with different ways of thinking from western ideologies. This does not mean western Eurocentric ways or Indigenous epistemologies are wrong or right. Merely it says that we need to create space to respect differences and coexist together in harmony.
For more information, visit:
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Monday, September 30, 2024
While Truth & Reconciliation is an ongoing effort, September 30th gives us a dedicated opportunity to pause, listen, reflect, support, and act. This day, which coincides with the Indigenous-led Orange T-Shirt Day or Every Child Matters Day, specifically honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools.
This year, Acadia University and the Town of Wolfville have come together – for a Mawio’mi (a Mi’kmaw word for “gathering”) – to provide our community with several opportunities to learn and participate. We’re especially proud that these Mawio’mi events were programmed and delivered largely by Acadia University students in partnership with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, a unified team of chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate for and represent the educational interests of our Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia.
Everyone is welcome to attend these free public events. See the full day event listing for more.
Tipi Raising at Clock Park
8 a.m. – 8:20 a.m.
Join Elder Dr. Joe Michael as he guides Acadia students in the raising of the tipi.
Opening Ceremony at Festival Theatre
8:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony led by Elder Dr. Lorraine Peters-Whitman.
Art and Craft Showcase and Sale at Festival Theatre
All day (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
The day features the artisanal work of Karen Beals, Seven Sacred Teachings, Melissa Sue Labrador & Todd Labrador as well as a showcase and dialogue by Dr. Gerald Gloade and Lily-Beth Fisher. Members of the community will be invited to join in on the co-creation of the Kesalul I-WIL Too! ReconciliACTION Quilt.
Circle Dialogues and Keynote Speakers at Festival Theatre
All day (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Various speaker circles and keynote presenters will be discussing topics ranging from the importance of storytelling to traditional knowledge and environmental stewardship to accounts of residential school experiences to meaningful reconciliation actions people can take. See the full details here.
Words of Appreciation and Closing Ceremony at Clock Park in Wolfville
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Performed by Elder Dr. Joe Michael
Mi’kmaw Soup and Sides at Wolfville Farmers’ Market
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy delicious and nutritious traditional Mi’kmaw foods.
Events
This Fall, Acadia University students are developing and hosting “ReconciliACTION” events on campus in partnership with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey. This year's theme is “Kesalul!”, which translates to “Love you!”. Additional Truth and Reconciliation events will be added throughout the year.
Stories
Elder Joe Michael appointed to Mi’kmaq Grand Council
Acadia’s Elder Dr. Joe Michael (or “Elder Joe Mike” as he’s often known) was recently honoured with a position that is incredibly meaningful to him: a spot on the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. A ceremony on July 26th made the appointment official.
Announcing Zabrina Whitman: Executive Advisor, L’nu Affairs and Indigenization
A familiar face at Acadia, Zabrina Whitman, is returning today to Acadia to lead the Office’s work with a new title: Executive Advisor, L’nu Affairs and Indigenization. Zabrina is returning after a secondment with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as its Senior Mi’kmaw Advisor supporting a provincial Indigenous justice strategy.
Acadia researcher launches new podcast series: Indigenous Research Spotlight
The quest toward decolonization isn’t easy or simple. Academia and knowledge-gathering and sharing institutions have had to reconsider many “default” practices and standards, including long-held research methodologies and teaching techniques and focuses. A new podcast series from an Acadia University researcher aims to shed light on the topic and encourage more conversations.
Amanda Peters: storyteller, teacher, mentor
You might say that author Amanda Peters has taken the long way home. The daughter of a Mi’kmaw father and a settler mother of European descent, Peters was raised in the Annapolis Valley but has lived and worked in Japan, South Korea, England and Scotland.
Resources
For Indigenous students:
As a higher education institution, we are committed to supporting our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, and creating a campus where they are heard, supported, and celebrated.
- Welkaqnik: The Indigenous Student Resource Centre
- Indigenous Student Society of Acadia
- Indigenous student handbook
For all Acadia community members:
What is taught – and by whom – matters. Our approach to curriculum setting, historical narratives, and research can increasingly be adapted to incorporate or reflect Indigenous wisdom and experiences. Below are some resources that can help our students, staff, and faculty in this pursuit:
- Final Report to President's Advisory Council
- President's Response to the Final Report
- Working with Indigenous peoples at Acadia handbook
- Indigenous Knowledge & Research LibGuide
- Indigenous Speakers Series
- Indigenous Research Spotlight Podcast
- Vaughan Memorial Library’s Truth and Reconciliation Day LibGuide