The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families and those who never returned home. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, learning and renewed commitment to the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation calls on each of us to deepen our understanding of Indigenous histories, experiences and perspectives, and to turn that understanding into meaningful action. This means listening to Indigenous voices, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, and creating opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate and thrive across our research and learning communities.
Today, I reflect on the steps we have taken as a university to build stronger relationships with our Indigenous students, staff, faculty and community partners. I also recognize that this work is ongoing, and that there is more to learn and do.
At McMaster, we are committed to improving access to research and education for Indigenous peoples, particularly in areas where they have historically encountered barriers to participation. One example is McMaster’s Indigenous nuclear programming, which helps Indigenous students gain hands-on STEM experience, explore careers in the nuclear sector and learn about opportunities in this growing field.
A new $300,000 investment from Bruce Power will help us continue to provide the Nuclear Energy and Radioisotope Development (NERD) Camp cost-free for Indigenous high school and post-secondary students. Through initiatives like this, we can work together with our Indigenous partners to foster greater Indigenous participation in nuclear while building connections between education, research, industry and Indigenous communities.
There are many resources and events on campus and in our surrounding community this week that offer opportunities to listen, learn and connect. As we mark this day, I encourage our community to take time to reflect on what reconciliation means to each of us and how we can contribute to this work, today and throughout the year.
Gianni Parise Vice-President, Research