REGINA — Over the course of two days, the University of Regina (U of R) and The First Nations University of Canada (FNUinv) co-hosted the National Building Reconciliation Forum.
This is the 9th year of the forum, focusing on the theme of Responsibility as Reconciliation: Relational Accountability.
The theme highlights the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.
Released a decade ago, the report called on the federal government to take action, including having Aboriginal people consulted in Legislative decisions, funding spaces to handle the emotional and physical effects caused by residential schools, and more.
The event hosted speakers and representatives from nearly 60 post-secondary institutions across Canada, spanning from Newfoundland to British Columbia.
"The forum’s overarching purpose is to connect Indigenous and university communities to facilitate dialogue and drive meaningful systemic change, and support Indigenous engagement, decolonization, and reconciliation efforts," noted a media release.
Key speakers included FSIN 3rd Chief, Fabian Head, Eugene Arcand, a survivor of nine years in a residential school, and more.
Event organizers said this was the largest attendance seen for the National Building Reconciliation Forum