Brock University Plans Month of Reconciliation Events

Brock University kicked off September by raising the Every Child Matters flag, beginning a month dedicated to truth, reconciliation, and healing for Indigenous communities affected by Canada's residential school system.

The university in Ontario launched its programming on September 1st with the raising of an orange flag honoring Indigenous children who attended residential schools. The flag will fly in front of Schmon Tower all month long.

"Every Child Matters is deeply personal for many Indigenous families, including my own," says Sheila Cote-Meek, Interim Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement, whose grandfather attended residential school. "Raising this flag is not only an act of remembrance, but it is also a call to responsibility."

Throughout September, students, faculty, and staff can participate in hands-on workshops, film screenings, and community gatherings. The Hadiya'dagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre is hosting weekly sessions where participants create beaded artwork while discussing Jesse Wente's book "Unreconciled: Family, Truth and Indigenous Resistance."

On September 24th, the entire Brock community will gather for Walk With Brock, wearing orange shirts and taking steps toward reconciliation together. Area schools and community partners are invited to join.

The university is also offering free trips to the Woodland Cultural Centre, including tours of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. Documentary screenings throughout the month explore Indigenous voices and experiences.

The Ripple Effect

The programming extends beyond awareness into tangible support. Orange shirts designed by student advisor Evelyn Dilworth are being sold at the campus store, with all proceeds supporting the Indigenous student center.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th features a full day of events, including lacrosse games at Alumni Field with traditional drummers and ceremonies. Lining the field will be hundreds of hearts created by the Brock community throughout the month.

"It's such a simple thing, a message on a piece of paper in the shape of a heart, but it's quite impactful," says Cindy Biancaniello, Director of Hadiya'dagénhahs Centre. The hearts represent individual commitments to learning, listening, and acting differently.

Managers are encouraged to enable employee participation in reconciliation events whenever possible, recognizing that understanding intergenerational trauma is everyone's responsibility.

A month of programming shows what reconciliation looks like in action: listening, learning, and moving forward together.