It was an emotional speech for the Vice President of Inclusion and Belonging at Humber’s Walk for Reconciliation.
Jason Seright brought his grandson, Tariq Saddleback, on stage to share his personal connection of caring and respect to those gathered inside the Student Centre at North Campus on Sept. 25.
Seright said he hopes events like this can continue to grow and make his grandchildren feel proud to attend Humber. Saddleback said most of his family “hasn’t had the opportunity to go to post-secondary or even graduate most of the time.”
Statistics Canada said in a 2021 report that almost half of Indigenous adults held a post-secondary qualification at 49.2 per cent. It said this was 18.8 per cent lower than the data recorded for the non-Indigenous population at 68 per cent.
Seright said he was proud of him for knowing his culture, practices and language and that he was not deterred from doing it when he is at Humber.
“That resilience is what I see reflected in moments like this when we come together in solidarity,” Seright said.
He said the strength he carries with him is the strength of his ancestors.
“This walk is a shared step forward, a reminder of the responsibility each of us carries on the journey toward truth and healing,” Seright said. “And also, to see how beautiful everybody looks in orange.”
Humber marked its third annual Walk for Reconciliation with speeches, a shared meal, and a self-guided tour.
Due to the weather forecast of rain, the walk hosted by Ignite was held indoors at the Student Centre.
Seright said not to let the rain and clouds dampen the audience’s spirits.
“This is such a great turnout, and it really warms my heart to see so many orange shirts,” he said.
Dean of Equity and Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Kimberly Daniels, said she appreciated hearing Seright’s speech.
She said it was a vulnerable position for him to be in as a senior leader, and she appreciated that he was willing to tell his story.
Student Advocate for the University of Guelph-Humber, Emily Edwards, a fourth-year student, started the speeches.
“Let us remember that acknowledging the land is not just a statement, but a call to action,” Edwards said. “It is our responsibility to listen and learn and reflect on the stories that they continue to share with us.”
She said Ignite provided maps for the self-guided walk at the entrance of the Student Centre. Seright also thanked Ignite for organizing the walk.
The maps led the viewer to spots in the school with artwork made by Indigenous creators.
Works such as "The Success of Unity" by Philip Saunders, "Magic at the Arboretum" by Natalie Very B. and "Visions of Abundance" by Chief Lady Bird were exhibited.
Edwards said the lunch following the walk was for participants who had registered and received wristbands.
Participants were encouraged to stay, eat, and watch as videos of Indigenous speakers played on the screen.
The manager of Leadership and Advocacy, Kristine Galvan, said the first Walk for Reconciliation three years ago was the biggest turnout with 400 people. There were just under 200 participants at the event this year.
She said the smaller numbers could be affected by the OPSEU strike and virtual classes.
“I’m going to take liberties and blame it on the rain,” she added. Galvan said Ignite wanted to commemorate its partnership with the Department of Indigenous Education and Engagement (IEE) through this event.
She said she wanted to “relieve them from having to commemorate the day and (to) have their partners do something for them because it would feel like that's what shows allyship.”
The IEE said on its website that it is working to build the feeling of community by connecting people through Indigenous perspectives.
It includes information on how to receive truth and reconciliation training on its website. Galvan said everyone is encouraged to go to the IEE office and indulge in the learning opportunities Humber offers.
“You can learn about beading, you can learn about Red Dress Day,” she said.
Galvan also suggested checking out the library and the resources it offers, such as books written by Indigenous authors.
“Go read one,” she said. Galvan said a lot goes into the event, including research, strength in partnerships and thoughtfulness.
“The planning starts early into the summer, just so we know that we are doing it right and it’s not like: September we have thirty days, let's do it,” she said.
“Know that you are cared for. Those aren’t just words from me, those are actions, and we follow that,” Seright said to the students.
“We are the stories that we tell and we are the voices we uplift,” Daniels said.
