Reflection, learning, and accountability during the Week of Reflection

The week offers the opportunity to step back from the pace of the academic year and focus on personal learning on reconciliation. 

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important opportunity to remember the profound impacts of the residential school system, honour survivors, their families, and communities, and reflect on our shared responsibility to advance reconciliation,” said Dr. Vince Bruni-Bossio (PhD), USask’s president and vice-chancellor.  

 “At USask that includes reflecting on, and being accountable to, our work through ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan while continuing to create and hold space for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty.” 

Students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity to connect with community-based events this week. A USask-made art installation is also being featured. The Blanket Project was designed to acknowledge the unmarked graves that were found across Turtle Island, honouring the spirits of those who were missing.  

How to engage in the Week of Reflection and participate in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is very personal to each individual. 

“It is important to slow down and ground ourselves and understand the significance of the week by taking the opportunity to learn and educate ourselves on why we’re doing this: the history, the meaning, and the community around it,” said Dr. Amaranta Sokol (EdD), interim vice-provost Indigenous engagement. This work is rooted in ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan, the Indigenous Strategy, and over the past few months, the Office of the Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement has been working with units and colleges across USask to finalize the reporting that completes phase four of the Indigenous Strategy. The process was collaborative, meaningful, and thorough, designed to direct real change.  

“This reporting process is essential to institutional accountability because it moves us beyond intentions and participation to a transparent assessment of progress, barriers, and impact,” said Dr. Patti McDougall (PhD), interim provost and vice-president academic.  

“By sharing progress, creating space for feedback, and examining how commitments are translated into action, the reporting intentionally opens us up to continuous learning, renewal, and meaningful change." 

The week is particularly meaningful this year within the College of Education, following the release of the mâmawinitotân | ni mamoowitoonaan (Let us Bring One Another Together): Phase 4 ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan Report.  

“Many of the commitments in the report were deeply inspired by the resilience of survivors and our Call to Action to ensure that education is a catalyst to challenge both overt and subtle attitudes and structures that work to diminish Indigenous participation and influence in all aspects of society,” said Dr. Gordon Martell (PhD), associate dean Indigenous, College of Education.    

Students, staff, and faculty are reminded that ongoing commitment to acknowledging truth and working toward reconciliation is at the heart of ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan.  

“Be open, and ask questions,” said Sokol. “This week is an opportunity for everybody to learn, build relationships, and reflect.”  

Starting Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, wear your orange shirt to show your commitment to reconciliation.