Orange Shirt Day Events
These events are part of a semester-long series to bring awareness to the legacy of colonization across Turtle Island, the necessity of institutional decolonization, as well as Indigenous resurgence and joy.
On Campus Activities
The College has a wide range of activities planned in the days leading up to September 30. The entire community is encouraged to participate, engage and learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Canada, the legacy of colonization and the steps still needed towards reconciliation across our country and within the Dawson community.
Beginning on September 23, Dawson’s floodlights on De Maisonneuve will cast an orange light to honour children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Monday, September 23 from 12 PM to 1 PM (Online): Virtual Workshop on Crafting Land Acknowledgements
Delivered by Dr. Donna Goodleaf, Director, Decolonizing Curriculum and Pedagogy, Centre for Teaching and Learning, Concordia University (Teams link).
Friday, September 27 from 10 AM to 12 PM in Conrod’s: Indigenous Eats for students
Sponsored by the Dawson Student Union and served by TLC Kahnawake. Students are invited to taste delicious traditional Indigenous cuisine served in Conrod’s in the Upper Atrium.
Friday, October 4, 11:30 AM – 1 PM in 8B: Beading workshop
An interactive fun beading workshop for beginners hosted by our very own Dawson student, Paws! The workshop will include an easy step-by-step process and materials for everyone. Sign up now as spots are limited! This will take place in the 8B New School/North-South Studies/SCSS common room. Send a MIO to Ben Lander, Coordinator of Decolonization and Indigenization Studies Certificate, to reserve a spot.
Cinema Politica Film Screenings
Wednesday, September 25 at 10 AM in 5B.16: A screening of the medium-length film The Kablona Keepers (69min)
This film is an intimate portrait of the dynamic Indigenous community that succeeded in protecting the remote Sacred Headwaters, known as the Klabona, in northwest British Columbia from industrial activities. Spanning 15 years of matriarch-led resistance, the film follows a small group of determined elders in the village of Iskut as they heal from the wounds of colonization to push back against law enforcement, the government, and some of the world’s largest multinational companies. Nestled between scenes of stand-offs and blockades, land defenders reflect on how their history of forced displacement, residential schools, and trauma strengthened their resolve to protect the very land that was so essential to their healing journey.
Here’s a trailer for this 2022 documentary.
Thursday, September 26 at 2 PM in 5B.16: A screening of the medium-length film Another Word for Learning (73min)
This 2019 documentary examines the disconnect between the contemporary colonial educational system and Indigenous communities, in light of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the painful legacy of the Sixties Scoop. The film spotlights the story of 11 year old Aisha, a Kwakwaka’wakw girl who is navigating choices on her schooling while living in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Along the way, Aisha is guided by her mother—Vancouver-based radio host, producer and activist Gunargie O’Sullivan—as she explores alternative modes of learning while asserting her Indigenous sense of identity and knowledge. Here’s a trailer for this 2019 documentary.
All week: Monday, September 23 to Friday, September 27
Dawson Student Union collecting petition signatures in the Upper Atrium
The Dawson Student Union will be tabling to promote their petition to exempt Indigenous students from Law 14, sponsored by Westmount—Saint-Louis MNA Jennifer Maccarone.
This is a concrete gesture for reconciliation that the Dawson community and all Quebecers can make – please stop by their table!
Purchase your Orange Shirt in the Upper Atrium
The Campus Life Office will set up in the upper atrium selling Orange shirts to the community. The t-shirts will feature the artwork entitled “Remember me” by Shayla Chloë Oroho:te Etienne, a student in Visual Arts at Dawson. Proceeds will go to the Dawson First Peoples’ Centre to support their programming and services for students that visit the FPC.
National Film Board short films by Indigenous Creators in 3C.1
A collection of short films selected by Cinema-Communications faculty member Dipti Gupta will be shown on rotation in 3C.1. Stop by for lunch and learn something new!
Kent Monkman: Sisters & Brothers
Gyu Ho: I am but a little woman
Caroline Monnet: Mobilize
Phyllis Grant: Wasetag
Germaine Arnattauiuq, Neil Christopher & Louise Flaherty: Arctic Song
Nance Ackerman & Alan Syliboy: Little Thunder
Showcasing Artwork by Indigenous Students by Warren G. Flowers Gallery
The Warren G. Flowers Gallery showcase space facing the cafeteria will feature works by Indigenous students at Dawson.
Dawson Library
The library will be handing out Orange Shirt Day bookmarks and has put together a custom book display on the second floor of the library featuring:
- All seven volumes of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation report
- A mix of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and memoirs about residential schools
- Check out their custom book lists from the Dawson collection, which are active and available year-round!
September 30 at 1 PM, Parc Mont Royal: Every Child Matters March
To honour and recognize September 30 as a day of solemnity, no activities will be held on campus. Details regarding the 4th annual Every Child Matters March organized by Resilience Montreal, the Native Women’s Shelter, the David Suzuki Foundation and POP Montreal are available here: Every Child Matters – March // Chaque Enfant Compte | Facebook
Why Wear Orange?
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day are on September 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 29-30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
To find out more, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
