Indigenous Education & Affairs is proud to present Truth & ReconciliACTION Week from September 26–29, 2022. They will be presenting a range of events from music to talks to workshops, leading up to the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.

Events happening at CapU from September 26–30

Monday, September 26

Opening remarks and blessing

9–10 a.m. Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196 and on Zoom

Join Elder Latash-Maurice Nahanee of the Squamish Nation as he opens Truth and ReconciliACTION Week at CapU.

Latash is a CapU alumnus, educator and community advisor who believes strongly in the power of ceremony to advance reconciliation.

Elder Latash-Maurice Nahanee lives in North Vancouver, B.C. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and an Associate Degree in Arts and Science from Capilano College. Elder Latash is passionate about education, as well as supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous students throughout Metro Vancouver.

Opening presentation with Elizabeth Ross

10–11 a.m. Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196 and on Zoom

Join Elizabeth Ross of Squamish Nation for a talk on cultural awareness and local history.

 

Leslhá7lhamaat Elizabeth Ross is a Squamish woman, raised in Eslh7án (North Vancouver) and resides on Xwemélch’stn (Capilano Reserve, West Vancouver).

Her cultural knowledge allows her to provide Squamish cultural awareness to external stakeholders and Nation partners. This work allows Elizabeth to use her knowledge about Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Snewáyelh—Squamish teachings, protocols, territory and the various ways in which Squamish people have been and continue to be connected to them. Elizabeth holds an associate degree with a focus in anthropology, First Nation studies and Squamish Language and a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Slahal with Elder Latash

Noon–1 p.m. Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196

Join Elder Latash in the Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre for some sharing of cultural teachings at lunch hour and to play the traditional Slahal game. Slahal is a gambling game of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Depending on where you are from, it is also known as the hand game, bone game, stick game or war game.

Sempulyan: 2Spirit Perspective

2–3 p.m. Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196 and on Zoom

Join Squamish Nation Elder Sempulyan (Stewart Gonzales) as he shares his thoughts on Truth and ReconciliAction from a 2Spirit perspective. A Residential School Survivor and a former Indian Day School student, Sempulyan has endured by leaning on his language and culture. He has become a long time Spirit Dancer in support of his Nation and its healing.

Sempulyan was born and raised within his Squamish Territory in North Vancouver. He is eager to share that he has three children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Tuesday, September 27

Nature Walk for students only (registration required)

10–11:30 a.m. Meet at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, room LB196

We welcome Capilano University students to join knowledge keepers from Talaysay Tours who will be taking us out on a nature walk. First Nation guides will share ancient and contemporary stories, legends, and Indigenous ways of living as we take in the sights of Capilano University’s scenic landscapes featuring cedar, western hemlock and western oak trees among many other local Indigenous species.

 

To register, email indigenous@capilanou.ca and include “Student Nature Walk” in the subject line.

Crafts and info session with Donna Cole from the Capilano Students’ Union

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, room LB196

In this interactive and hands-on session, Donna Cole, student union director of Indigenous initiatives, will walk participants through creating orange T-shirt pins. She’ll also share information and answer any questions. Refreshments will be served.

Donna Cole is from the Squamish Nation and of Scottish/Irish ancestry. She is the director, Indigenous initiatives at the Capilano Students’ Union and is working to create more safe spaces for Indigenous students, celebrate Indigenous culture, resilience and strength, and bring awareness to and share information about issues affecting Indigenous people. She is passionate and vocal about human rights, especially for women and for Indigenous people.

Elder Rose: Sharing Words

Noon–1 p.m. at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196

Elder Sesemyia (Rose Nahanee) was raised on the Squamish territory by her father who is from the Squamish Nation and her mother who is from the Stó:lō Nation. Her career as an educator and her connection to the community has allowed for her seamless transition into the Elders-in-Residence program. Rose looks forward to providing guidance to Indigenous students and supporting the campus community as it moves to Indigenize the University.

Join Elder Rose for a meal in the Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, room LB196. Elder Rose will share some words, as well as a blessing.

Sharing Circle for Indigenous Students

Led by Riel Dupuis-Rossi, David Kirk and Elder Rose Nahanee

1–3 p.m. at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196

Indigenous students are invited to join Riel (CapU’s Indigenous counsellor), David (Indigenous advisor) and Elder Rose within a safe space for a Sharing Circle. The circle will be led by Riel while students discuss the impacts of Truth and ReconciliACTION Week and gain skills that can be used as they move forward through their educational journey. David and Rose will support students as more difficult topics arise.

FILM: The Road Home

4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Library Building, room LB322

The Road Forward, a musical documentary by Marie Clements, connects a pivotal moment in Canada’s civil rights history—the beginnings of Indian Nationalism in the 1930s—with the powerful momentum of First Nations activism today.

The Road Forward’s stunningly shot musical sequences, performed by an ensemble of some of Canada’s finest vocalists and musicians, seamlessly connect past and present with soaring vocals, blues, rock, and traditional beats. A rousing tribute to the fighters for First Nations rights, a soul-resounding historical experience and a visceral call to action.

Wednesday, September 28

Big picture: Reconciliation and relationship-building with Suzette Amaya

11 a.m.–Noon at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196 and on Zoom

Join Suzette Amaya for a talk where she honours Residential School Survivors. Suzette is Kwakwakawakw, Coast Salish, Nisga’a, and Nehiyaw. She is a reality TV star; she created and produces/hosts the award-winning radio show ThinkNDN on CFRO 100.5fm. Suzette has been working in the Downtown Eastside for over 20 years. Her experience is working in harm reduction, supporting people with addictions, mental health, trauma, homelessness, poverty and an advocate helping clients dealing with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), the justice system and barriers.

Nature Walk for employees only (registration required)

2–4 p.m. Meet at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, room LB196

We welcome Capilano University employees to join knowledge keepers from Talaysay Tours who will be taking us out on a nature walk. First Nation guides will share ancient and contemporary stories, legends, and Indigenous ways of living as we take in the sights of Capilano University’s scenic landscapes featuring cedar, western hemlock and western oak trees among many other local Indigenous species.

 

To register, email indigenous@capilanou.ca and include “Employee Nature Walk” in the subject line.

Thursday, September 29

Findings of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission

9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CSU Library Lounge, Library Building, room LB195

The video of the reading of the Commission’s report will be repeating throughout the day in the lounge.

Conversation with Donna Cole and Wayne Dunkley

Being & Belonging @ CapU

11–11:45 a.m. online

What does it mean to you to be a part of our CapU community? What things help you feel a sense of belonging? What makes it harder to connect with CapU?

 

Join Wayne Dunkley, student affairs equity, diversity and inclusion advisor, and co-facilitator Donna Cole, student union director of Indigenous initiatives, as we reflect openly on belonging, inclusion and how best to make CapU a true place of community, cultural safety, welcome and connection for all. For students and employees. Register now

President’s Perspective: Journeying together towards

Envisioning 2030 & Illuminating 2030

Noon–1 p.m. at the BlueShore Theatre at CapU and livestreamed

Join President Paul Dangerfield and Ses Siyam—Ray Natraoro as they explore the CapU values that will guide us forward into the fall and new year. Through storytelling and a focus on our relationship with each other and Skw’chays—CapU’s legacy canoe—we will reflect on our journey together and the importance of getting our canoe back in the water. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end.

Click here to watch the “President’s Perspective” livestreamed through MS Teams. If you’re unable to join the live session, it will be recorded and posted on Frontlines for those who wish to view it later.

Closing presentation: Reconciliation, history, pitfalls and calls to action with Samantha Jack

2–3 p.m. at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, room LB196 and on Zoom

Samantha Jack is from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Yale Nations. She brings a wealth of knowledge and history of working in Indigenous support services. She is skilled in strategic planning, public speaking, public outreach and social media. She is completing a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

 

As an associate consultant at Len Pierre Consulting, Sam provides consultation services on Indigenous cultural safety and working with Indigenous youth. She also provides training on Indigenous cultural safety, reconciliation, Indigenous youth resilience, and Indigenous trauma and equity-informed practice.

Elder Joe closing remarks for Truth and ReconciliACTION Week

3–4 p.m. at Kéxwusm-áyakn Student Centre, Library Building, room LB196 and on Zoom

Elder pe’tal Robert Joe, a shíshálh Elder, was born and raised in shíshálh Traditional Territory by his parents Clarence Joe Jr. and Diana Joe (nee Louie). Robert’s grandfather Clarence Joe Sr., Band Manager for 35 years and political activist, instilled in Robert the importance of family, history, community and unity with neighbouring Nations, as well as Nations across Canada.

In his younger years, Robert worked alongside his brothers, learning from their uncles in the fishing and logging industries before entering the First Nations political arena.

Robert was the Head of the shíshálh Nation Rights and Title Department for 13 years and an elected Council official for the shíshálh Nation twice. Robert is the proud father of three grown children and a Papa to the most beautiful granddaughter.

Friday, September 30

National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: Get out in the community

CapU locations will be closed on this day. You are encouraged to use the time to reflect and engage with and support your Indigenous friends, family and community members. Explore what’s happening in your community and learn what opportunities there are for you to learn more and deepen your understanding.

Individual counselling supports for Indigenous students during TRC week

In acknowledgment and recognition of the current and transgenerational burdens, suffering, heaviness and stress that can be felt by Indigenous students during TRC week, Riel Dupuis-Rossi, Capilano University’s Indigenous Counsellor, will be offering Indigenous-specific supports during the events. This will be announced at the beginning of each session so please reach out if you need some support.

 

Supports for non-Indigenous students will also be available at each event.

Mental health supports available

Former residential school students and their families can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

YOU’RE INVITED: T&R Learning Circle

October 6 to November 17

8–9 p.m., virtual or in-person at CapU Lonsdale

The T&R Learning Circle is a book club designed to create an accessible space for CapU alumni and employees to increase their knowledge of issues related to Truth and Reconciliation. Discussions will be moderated by Crystal Henderson, community engagement facilitator from Indigenous student services, along with a Knowledge Keeper. Participants in the program will read chapters from an assigned book and meet weekly to discuss various themes and topics.

Our assigned book is Namwayut: We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation by Chief Robert Joseph

Please RSVP

For further details and to register, please complete the online application.

Questions

Feel free to contact alumni@capilanou.ca