President’s Message – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

VCC president, Ajay Patel with Jessie Williams, Dean Indigenous Initiatives; and David Kirk, Dean, Curriculum and Pedagogy at VCC’s Ground Blessing ceremony (April 2024)

Dear VCC community,

I would like to begin by acknowledging that Vancouver Community College is located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.

As we embark on a new fall term, this month also marks an important moment for reflection and renewal. On September 30, we will observe Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day dedicated to honouring the lives lost and the enduring strength of Indigenous communities across our country.

Reflecting on what this day means; I am reminded of the importance of decolonizing our ways of thinking and the lessons learned from the Indigenous peoples of these lands. The Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations have taught us the significance of respect, resilience, and acknowledging the past so we can move forward together.

To commemorate the day, VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team have been working hard to develop informative, educational, and inspiring programming that I encourage all of you to participate in. From hearing from residential school survivor Sempulyan Stewart Gonzales from the Orange Shirt Society to learning about cultural safety and humility with Cree Elder and respected member of the Ochapowace Nation, Emily Henry, to Orange Shirt Day activities on campus, there will be many opportunities to listen to the voices of Indigenous people and to reflect on how we can each contribute to a more just and equitable future.

The journey of Truth and Reconciliation is ongoing and does not rely solely on one day. VCC is committed to creating an environment that demonstrates our commitment to cultural respect and reconciliation. We will continue to move forward as a public educational institution that welcomes learners from diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures—a place that welcomes real learning for real change.

I hope you will join me at one of the many events offered at the college throughout the month that recognizes and honours the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples to this country. 

With gratitude,

Ajay Patel
President & CEO

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Upcoming events @ VCC

Residential Schools with Stewart Gonzales. Monday, September. 16, online.
Sempulyan – Stewart Gonzales from the Orange Shirt Society will share his powerful story as a survivor of the residential school system.

Cultural Humility and Safety lunch ‘n learn. September 17, 11a.m. - 1 p.m. BWY campus, building B, Event Space
Join Emily Henry for a session on practicing cultural safety and humility as we honour the days leading up to Orange Shirt Day.

Flag raising ceremony. September 23, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., BWY campus, main entrance
Join us at the main entrance of the Broadway campus for a moment of reflection ahead of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day activities. September 26, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., BWY campus, building B, Event Space
Hear stories and learn how colonial laws, policies and practice controlled Indigenous peoples and their traditional lands. There will be various activities including an opportunity to write what Orange Shirt Day means to you.

Additional information

Learn more about how you participate in your community and take action. Visit Indigenous Tourism BC.