University College of the North will be hosting the 5th Annual Truth and Reconciliation Gathering virtually on April 7 & 8, 2021. This year’s theme is, “Sharing Our Truth and Knowledge is Changing Academia”.  The gathering aims to hold discussions that build student and educator’s capacity for reciprocity, understanding, and relationship restoration.
 
Since the initial release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report in 2015, the efforts of the Canadian government, educational institutions, community organizations and Canadians have a responsibility within their actions in repairing the harms caused by residential school; but, unfortunately, much work is required. The TRC Gathering will focus on delivering the hidden truths of colonization by examining the pre- and post-residential school era. Uncovering these truths will lay a foundation for the much needed work centering reconciliation. The gathering will deliver ways in which academics are and can practice reciprocity, while gaining an understanding of historical wrongdoing with the goal of delivering a basis in relationship restoration. Attendees of the gathering will gain an understanding of the current state and the actions needed to move forward in a positive direction.

GATHERING OBJECTIVES

Express the historical truth and experience centering residential schools.
Teaching and learning strategies in becoming an active participant in reconciliation actions.
Provide examples of institutional and instructional strategies and practices for active participation in reconciliation.
Highlight indigegogy in practice. 

GATHERING DESIRED OUTCOMES

To gain knowledge of often hidden (or unknown) historical truths.
To become an active participant in reconciliation in academia.
To employ reconciliation practices at the course, program, and institutional levels.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Secondary and post-secondary students
Teachers, instructors, faculty, administrators
Business community
Community organizations
Residential school survivors
General public
UCN staff and students