Wednesday, September 30, marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day — a day to recognize survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities.
At McMaster Engineering, this day is also an opportunity to consider the responsibilities we carry as educators, researchers, students and members of the engineering profession. Reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement. It asks us to listen, learn and think critically about the institutions and disciplines we are part of, including whose knowledge and perspectives have historically been included — and whose have not.
These are questions our students are also exploring. Recent Mechanical Engineering graduate Kileigh Harrington used her undergraduate research experience to examine how Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and ways of knowing can be better reflected in engineering education.
To provide time and space for learning, reflection and participation, all classes at McMaster are cancelled on September 30. The university will remain open, and September 30 is a regular workday for faculty and staff.
I encourage everyone in our Engineering community to use the day intentionally. McMaster is offering a number of opportunities to learn, reflect and participate, both on September 30 and in the days surrounding it. You can find details about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and resources across the university.
Reconciliation is ongoing work. As a Faculty, we have a responsibility to continue listening and learning, and to consider how our teaching, research, partnerships and relationships can contribute meaningfully to that work.
Heather Sheardown
Dean, Faculty of Engineering