A message from TRU President Brett Fairbairn
On Monday, Sept. 30, Canadians will again mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is dedicated to acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous communities. It honours Survivors, their families and communities by recognizing the injustices and suffering they endured. It urges us to think about what Reconciliation looks like.
Before Reconciliation is possible, however, we must first grapple with Truth. The best pathway to truth is through listening, especially to the perspectives, thoughts and stories of those who have lived through or seen first-hand the impacts of Canada’s residential schools on Indigenous communities.
This conversation between TRU Chancellor DeDe DeRose and Secwépemc Cultural Advisor Ted Gottfriedson allows us to reflect deeply on the realities of the tragic and sorrow-filled legacy of residential schools. Their discussion highlights the generational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities while also pointing to the strength and resilience of those working toward healing.
Truth and Reconciliation are not only about acknowledging the past but also about understanding the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples today. DeDe’s and Ted’s stories remind us that the pain of residential schools is not history — it is a present, lived reality for Indigenous people, passed down through generations. The discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools in Kamloops and Williams Lake in 2021 has only confirmed what Indigenous communities have long known.
As DeDe and Ted make clear, while these truths are difficult, it is essential that we accept them. Reconciliation begins by acknowledging the harm done and understanding that healing will take time, commitment and empathy. It is a process in which we must all participate, not just as individuals but as an institution. At TRU, we must ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and included at every level. This includes continuing to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, which are vital to healing and rebuilding strong, healthy communities.
As Ted so poignantly expresses, reconciliation is not a one-time event — it is a continuous effort that requires us to move forward together, with humility and understanding. I would like to thank DeDe and Ted for sharing their perspectives with us, and I urge everyone to listen and take to heart the power of their message.
Kukwstsétsemc.
TRU recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the Campus Activity Centre. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc joins the event on the Kamloops campus, which is on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc People. Wear your orange shirt in honour of the children who never returned home, and the Survivors of residential schools.
