In a poignant moment at StFX’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony, Cynthia Sewell, StFX Indigenous Student Advisor, played a song by Fawn Wood as the standing room only crowd in Joyce Family Atrium in Mulroney Hall rose to their feet. Members of the Indigenous Students’ Society opened the doors for the crowd to walk to the memorial fence to tie an orange ribbon of honour.
The moment closed the ceremony held on Sept. 30, a gathering of reflection, music, and prayer that carried a clear message: reconciliation cannot be limited to one day a year.
Emcee Cheyenne Toms, a first-year education student and president of the Indigenous Students’ Society, welcomed guests. Ms. Toms grew up in Enfield, NS, in Mi'kma'ki, and is St'át'imc from Shalalth, BC. Elder Kerry Prosper offered a prayer and remarks and performed a smudging for each and everyone to cleanse the mind and spirit, and Kaleb Googoo of We'koma'q First Nation performed the Mi’kmaq Honour Song.
Speaking on behalf of the university, StFX President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Andy Hakin said the day calls us to reflection, responsibility, and action. He described reconciliation as work that requires courage, humility, persistence and a willingness to learn, and pointed to education as a tool to confront denial and create change.
“It requires us to constantly ask ourselves how can we do better. Because there is no other way. We must get better,” he said.
Education is one of most powerful tools to challenge ignorance, confront denial, and create meaningful change, he said. We must continue to examine how we teach, how we learn, and how we create spaces where Indigenous voices are respected and celebrated. He encouraged everyone to explore learning opportunities and to take active steps to help build a better, kinder future.
StFX student Maria Young of Eskasoni First Nation also offered all a challenge. Ms. Young is completing a double major in applied forensic psychology and women and gender studies, serves as Constituency Director for Indigenous Students on the Students' Union Board of Directors, and chairs the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee for the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations.
“As important and meaningful as this day is, I don't think we should only think about Truth and Reconciliation once a year,” Ms. Young said. She spoke of ongoing struggles for sovereignty and treaty rights, and of disproportionate rates of systemic violence, homelessness, poverty and incarceration.
“Colonization is not a thing of the past; it is current, ongoing, and embedded in institutions like StFX,” she said, calling for change that goes beyond land acknowledgements and performative representation. She asked those present to ask themselves: “What can I do to contribute to that change?” If the answer isn't clear, she said, “take that as your sign to keep educating yourself, to have those difficult conversations.”
Tyler Sack, Director of Research at the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX, also shared remarks, receiving a standing ovation, as he too encouraged those gathered to keep educating themselves. Everyone must work towards a more just future.
In speaking of the significance of the day, Mr. Sack reminded people that not that long ago it was illegal for Indigenous people to celebrate their culture; indeed to exist. That it is our peoples’ response that we want to heal, that we want peace and reconciliation, says it all, he said.
Mr. Sack spoke both of hope and of human rights violations, that carry still into today. He said that it is his hope that one day his son will be able to stand up here and say that he feels reconciled.
Ms. Toms thanked attendees and said the day emphasized the community's mission to honour, educate and remember. She invited guests to the Art Gallery in Mulroney Hall to view Amalkewinu'k (The Dancers), curated by Aaron Prosper and Mackenzie Pardy.
In closing the ceremony, Ms. Sewell explained the orange ribbon's origins as an expression of grief tied to the residential school history of Red Deer, AB, created in keeping with the traditions of that territory. StFX has held the ceremony since 2021. The ribbon, she said, is a symbol so that Indigenous families, communities and children who experienced the legacy of residential schools are never forgotten.
Ms. Sewell began the reflection with words from Abigail EchoWolf, followed by Fawn Wood's song in remembrance.
On Thursday, Oct. 1, all are invited to a Treaty Day Panel taking place from 5:30-7 p.m. in MULH 2032. The event is hosted by the Deveau Institute for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice.
The opening reception for Amalkewinu'k will follow the panel. Doors open at 7 p.m. with remarks slated for 7:30 p.m. in the StFX Art Gallery, Mulroney Hall. The event is presented by the StFX Art Gallery and Deveau Institute and is curated by Aaron Prosper and Mackenzie Pardy.
