In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Aurora College held a number of events for students, staff and community members in Fort Smith, Yellowknife and Inuvik. The events were held to honour the strength and resiliency of Indigenous communities while acknowledging the painful truths of our nation and our shared path forward.

Thebacha Campus’s Truth and Reconciliation Week ran from Sept. 23 to 29 and was led by the Culture Committee, which plays an active role in honouring Indigenous culture year-round. Events included a Feeding of the Fire ceremony, daily virtual sessions from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, bannock and bead-making workshops, a drymeat-making demonstration, Indigenous games demonstrations, and a pow wow dancing demonstration. Most of the events were led by local Elders.

In Inuvik, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) health support worker and residential school survivor, Jeffrey Amos, shared his personal experiences with Aurora Campus students, faculty and staff. He spoke to the lasting impacts of the residential school system and the ongoing process of healing and resilience, underscoring the importance of sharing stories and acknowledging the history that continues to shape Northern Indigenous communities. Students and staff then shared a traditional lunch with roasted caribou, soup and whitefish.

Yellowknife North Slave Campus marked the week with a variety of events. The Early Learning and Child Care program hosted a “Soup and Sew”, while at the main campus, students and staff participated in a “Mindful Monday” lunch and a “Heart Garden” activity, crafting healtfelt messages of support and hope to share.

As a post-secondary institution in the Northwest Territories, Aurora College commits to ensuring the Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and believing remain grounding principles of our educational influence, and honour the opportunity to live and learn on the Homeland of the Dene, Métis, Inuvialuit, and NWT Cree.

Our culture will remain true to the tenet that education is the key to true Reconciliation, and traditional knowledge shared by Indigenous communities helps lay the path forward toward a more equitable future for all.

Check out all of the photos of our Truth and Reconciliation Day activities!