To: North Island College Community
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to honour Survivors of Canada’s residential school system and recognize the ongoing impact that continues today.
At NIC, we are committed to reconciliation and to becoming a truly Indigenous-serving college, as envisioned in Working Together.
We have taken important steps in this work. Launched in 2021, Working Together was shaped through the contributions of more than 150 people from Indigenous communities, along with Elders, students, faculty and staff. At the direction of the Indigenous Education Council, we are continuing our commitment to the goals and actions outlined in the plan for another year. There is still much for us to learn.
For NIC, that means continuing to listen to the First Nation communities we serve. It also means continuing to accept, with gratitude, the guidance the Indigenous Education Council provides. We must also continue strengthening Indigenous learning, programming opportunities, and building a learning environment where Indigenous students see themselves respected and valued.
Tomorrow, NIC’s campuses will be closed. With that, I hope you will take some time, in whatever way is appropriate for you, to learn, reflect, remember or take action.
For some members of our college community, September 30th may also bring difficult memories, grief or a personal connection to the residential school system. Please approach the day with care and respect for those experiences.
I am grateful to the Indigenous Education Council, Elders, Indigenous Education, Indigenous students, faculty and staff, as well as the many community members who continue to share their knowledge with NIC. Their contributions have helped shape the work we have undertaken so far, and they remind us that there is more to do.
Sincerely,
Lisa Domae, PhD, RPP
President and CEO