Conversations for Truth and Reconciliation: The Faculty of Science’s commitment at the University of Manitoba
Over the past few weeks, the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba has embraced and demonstrated its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Through active engagement on the Nation Day for Truth and Reconciliation and participating in various initiatives and events at UM.
The Faculty encouraged its students, faculty and staff to participate in the Teach-In for Reconciliation talk that took place on September 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This event was hosted by the Nursing Students’ Association in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Centre for Human Rights Research, the University of Manitoba’s Student Union, PINE (Pathway to Indigenous Nursing Education) and the Indigenous Students’ Association. This talk highlighted the need for learning the truth of what has happened to Indigenous peoples in Canada and provided attendees with some of the history and where they could learn more.
In the afternoon, the Faculty of Science organized a “Join the Conversation” event where students, faculty and staff were invited to share their thoughts answering the question ‘What resonates with you when you encounter the words “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”’. Thoughts were shared either through an online word cloud or by writing them on Orange Shirt-shaped papers. Attendees were also invited to create their own Orange Shirt pin and were provided with vital mental health support resources.
The Faculty of Science continued the conversation and learning about the truth in the following week, from Kaila Johnston from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation who provided a special seminar on October 6th. Her talk, “In the Pursuit of Science: A Look at the Mistreatment of Indigenous Communities,” shed light on the negative impacts of scientific pursuits on Indigenous communities and discussed the path to reconciliation.
The Faculty of Science is committed to fostering awareness, understanding and promoting dialogue and empathy towards truth and reconciliation.