The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established to gather testimony on survivors’ experiences of the Indian Residential Schools. From September 18 – 22, the Commission is holding its BC National Events in Vancouver.
As part of this process, the UBC community is encouraged to attend, witness and celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal cultures. UBC is suspending classes on September 18 to allow students, faculty and other members of the UBC community to participate in this historic event and other events around the city.
These events include an opening ceremony, public and private testimonials, film viewings, educational sessions, archival displays and more.
The Library is contributing to the campus-wide initiative by highlighting Indian Residential Schools in different contexts.
Our online research guide on Indian Residential Schools in Canada is a good starting point for anyone wanting background information this important, and sensitive, part of Canada’s history. This research guide also highlights UBC’s Indian Residential School Initiative.
Several library branches have put up exhibits and displays for the month of September, to highlight Aboriginal issues.
- The Education Library display features DVDs and books related to the human rights abuses in the Canadian Indian residential school system and related Aboriginal issues (September).
- The Koerner Library display features books related to Aboriginal issues (mid-September to end of September).
- The Asian Library display (pictured) features resources and media on Canadian Indian Residential schools, but from an Asian perspective (September 16 to 25).
- The Irving K. Barber Learning Centre has co-ordinated an exhibit running from September 17 to October 31. This exhibit encourages its audience to ask reflective questions on its inquiry about this tragic piece of Canada’s history. It features displays from the Museum of Anthropology, the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Xwi7xwa Library, the First Nations Studies Program, the First Nations Language Program, Musqueam Indian Band (Language and Culture Department) and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.