Metro Vancouver, BC – In support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will host Weaving Together: Healing, Education and Reconciliation, a series of public events designed to continue the national dialogue on residential schools locally, as the TRC visits British Columbia next week.
From September 16-20 across all four KPU campuses, the university will host guest speakers, panel discussions, film screenings and a Pow Wow, all to complement the TRC’s British Columbia Reconciliation Week: An honest discussion about the legacy of Canada’s residential schools. The Commission, led by the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Dr. Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild, will document the experiences of those personally affected by residential schools at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver September 18-21.
Building on the spirit of the initiative, Weaving Together is designed to foster greater understanding of Canada’s residential school history. The events also aim to increase awareness and acknowledgement of the injustices experienced by Aboriginal people, as well as the need for continued healing.
“KPU is honoured to support the very important work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We need to learn, we need to hear the ‘Truth’ about the legacy and impact of the residential schools. It is only by knowing the ‘Truth’ that authentic reconciliation can begin,” says KPU President Dr. Alan Davis.
All events at KPU during Reconciliation Week have been created in partnership with the university’s Aboriginal partners, and aim to educate the KPU community about the history, impact and healing needs of those who endured residential schools. Weaving Together will allow for members of the Aboriginal community to share their stories in a safe, respectful and authentic environment, and will generate public awareness as to the needs and desires of the local Aboriginal community during the national Truth and Reconciliation process. In commemoration of the Commission, and as an acknowledgement to Canada’s past, an art installation by an Aboriginal artist will be put on permanent showcase outside of the Surrey campus Aboriginal Gathering Place.
Background information regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is available at: www.trc.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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For more information about KPU, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca