U of L, Lethbridge College taking different approaches on Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday

Sep 8, 2021 | 11:48 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge are both taking a different route on recognizing the September 30 Truth and Reconciliation stat holiday.

According to U of L president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Mike Mahon, the university “will commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools on September 30 and do its part to ensure they remain part of the reconciliation process going forward.”

They are also planning a number of events during the week of September 27 to allow members of the campus community time and space to “reflect on the tragic legacy of residential schools.”

The university will be closing its doors on September 30 and classes will be cancelled for the day.

Lethbridge College’s approach, on the other hand, is a little bit more complicated.

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A statement was given by CEO Dr. Paula Burns.

“We consulted with our college’s Kainai Grandparents, Betty Ann Little Wolf and Peter Weasel Moccasin, as we considered how best to recognize this important time.

They emphasized the importance of education and the role educators have in making a change into the future.

In this case, education plays a vital role in learning the truth about residential schools, recognizing what happened to those who were forced to attend them, and identifying how the generational trauma inflicted by the schools continue to shape our society today.”

The College decided to keep its doors open on September 30 “as this day provides an important opportunity to have these discussions and create a space for learning.”

She didn’t specify how classes will be affected but that will be decided “within each academic centre.”

Programs at the college will give students an update on classes for that day.

More on the stat holiday in Lethbridge can be found at National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

by Connor Gunn