National Week of Truth and Reconciliation
September 28th – October 4th, 2026
Throughout the week there are events to raise awareness about Residential School history in Canada. 2026 marks the fifth year since BU began suspending classes in honour of the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.
Join us for the commemorative “Every Child Matters Walk” on Orange Shirt Day
September 28th
Opening Ceremony
Time and Date: September 28th 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Front of Champlain Building
Guest Speaker & Poetry Reading: Maya Cousineau-Mollen
Moderator: Catherine Lavallee-Welch, University Librarian
Time and Date: September 28th 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: LLC Agora
Maya Cousineau Mollen, is Innu from Ekuanitshit. She was adopted in the traditional way by Quebecois parents at the request of her Innu mother, a residential school survivor.
Maya began writing poetry at the age of 14 and is now known internationally for her work. In 2020 she participated in a TEDxMontreal presentation titled “Diversity: the richness that unites us” and continues to speak about openly and respectfully and truth and reconciliation.
Guest Speaker & Poetry Reading: Maya Cousineau-Mollen
Time and Date: September 28th 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: NIC215 – This class is open to attend – seating is limited please RSVP: indigenous@ubishops.ca
Class: FRA 166 – Texts in Context: An Introduction to Quebec Literature
Maya Cousineau Mollen is an established voice in Innu poetry. She is the author of Bréviaire du matricule 082 (Éditions Hannenorak, 2019), which was awarded the Indigenous Voices Award in the Published Poetry in French category and this work was translated to English in 2024.
September 29th
Movie Screening: I am Gitxsan
Time and Date: September 29th 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Wid8baa Al8msakw KWI 109
The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people’s enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.
September 30th
Special Unveiling
Time and date: September 30th 11:00 AM
Location: Sports Plex Coulter Entrance
Come be the first to see the unveiling of something special in the sports plex before the Every Child Matters Walk. It is a demonstration of visibility and partnerships between departments on campus.
Every Child Matters Walk
Time and Date: September 30th 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Staring at Coulter Field
All members of the Sherbrooke community are invited to take part in the National Truth and Reconciliation Walk at Bishop’s University. This gathering is a chance to reflect, show support, and walk together for those who were not able to. Be sure to wear orange!
October 1st
Reconciliation Run
Time and Date: October 1st 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Meeting in front of Kwigw8mna
Join Bishop’s University for a 5K run or walk to Atto-Beaver Park in memory of those who never got the chance, and those who ran from Residential Schools but never made it home. Be sure to wear orange!
Movie Screening: I am Gitxsan
Time and Date: October 1st 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Wid8baa Al8msakw KWI 109
The documentary highlights the impact of colonialism on the Gitxsan community, featuring insights from experts like Dr Gabor Maté and showcasing their resilience through protests and legal actions. It culminates with a moving message of hope and determination, emphasizing the power of the Gitxsan people’s enduring spirit, the beauties of their culture, and their commitment to future generations.
October 2nd
Responding to the TRC Calls to Action: Experiences of Indigenous Faculty in Canada
Time and Date: October 2nd 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: Wid8baa Al8msakw KWI 109
The TRC made several calls-to-action that imply change at Canadian universities. Canada’s government has been slow to respond to the Calls. In this panel, we bring together faculty members to discuss how universities in Canada have responded to the calls – what has been done, and what still needs to be done, to move towards a university culture that welcomes Indigenous participation and ways of knowing.
October 4th
Odanak Fall Powwow and Vigil for MMIWG2S+
Time and Date: October 4th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Abenaki Museum
Join us this October 4th for Sisters in Spirit Day which has now been deemed a National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited individuals in Canada. We will be travelling to Odanak to join the community in commemorating MMIW2S+ and the Rogers Raid. There will also be their Fall Powwow and a community meal. This event is open to all. There will be a bus organized to take people from campus to the Odanak community and back after the day of events.