Banners renew USask’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

“This was a way for us to not only reclaim space on campus, but it’s also a visual commitment,” said Dr. Angela Jaime (PhD), vice-provost Indigenous Engagement at USask. “It makes these calls to action undeniable. They are something you can’t ignore as you walk through the campus.” 

In 2022, an additional 13 banners were added, this time in purple, bringing attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice.  

For those new to campus, the banners are a wonderful way to learn more. 

“It’s pretty stark when you first walk into the Bowl, but the goal is that this compels you to stop and read one,” said Jaime. “I’m hoping that some of our employees will go through the Bowl and read one every day on their walk and consider how they can contribute to Truth and Reconciliation. That would be a victory, because when you see something every day, you don’t forget that you have a responsibility to action.”  

Over the years the banners have been damaged by vandalism and exposure to the elements. In September 2024, the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement worked together with the College of Kinesiology and the Edwards School of Business to replace them.  

Some of the replacements were specific to the goals of each college. 

“The College of Kinesiology is always striving towards true reconciliation and decolonization,” said Dr. Joel Lanovaz (PhD), associate dean academic, College of Kinesiology. “In our banners, we chose to highlight the TRC Calls to Action around sport as a natural extension of this commitment.” 

For Edwards School of Business Acting Dean Dr. Marjorie Delbaere (PhD), the school’s involvement was driven by the desire to decolonize its space. 

“Part of that was supporting the banner project and we specifically wanted to have the banners with Action 92, the call to the corporate sector to adopt frameworks of reconciliation in their policies and operations,” said Delbaere. 

The banners, for the colleges and the university, are just a piece of the bigger picture. 

“We want this work to help inform our decisions and we’re really happy to have been able to be a part of this particular project,” said Delbaere. 

The banners are a permanent fixture on campus and all students, staff, faculty, and members of the public are invited and encouraged to walk through the Bowl, taking time to read, learn and reflect.