First Nations University Annual Smudge Walk 2024

September 27, 2024

First Nations University of Canada Hosts Successful Annual Smudge Walk in Honour of Truth and Reconciliation

Regina, Saskatchewan, September 27, 2024 – First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) held its Annual Smudge Walk at the Regina Campus, bringing together over 200 participants in a powerful gesture of unity, healing, and remembrance. The event, held in honour of Indian Residential School Survivors and the children who never returned home, marked a significant moment as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established in 2021, is observed annually on September 30. This federal statutory holiday honours residential school survivors, their families, and the thousands of Indigenous children lost to the residential school system. It’s a day to reflect on Canada’s painful history and foster continued reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

The Smudge Walk began at 8:00 AM with a traditional Pipe Ceremony, setting a reflective tone for the day. At 9:30 AM, participants gathered at the East Door of the FNUniv Regina Campus and walked together in solidarity for approximately 40 minutes. Despite the brisk weather, the walk proceeded, with participants pausing to reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

Following the walk, a special program took place at 10:45 AM, featuring prominent guest speakers who shared powerful messages about reconciliation and the path forward. Chief Michael Starr of Star Blanket Cree Nation, FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, Vice-Chief Craig McCallum of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), and Cindy Fuchs, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, all addressed the gathering.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of a transformative partnership between FNUniv and The Co-operators. Rob Wesseling, President and CEO of The Co-operators, revealed the launch of the Career Centre and Work-Integrated Learning Initiative, designed to support Indigenous students as they transition into the workforce. The Co-operators pledged $390,000 over three years and committed to hiring two FNUniv graduates annually from 2024 to 2027. This initiative is aimed at equipping students with the tools and opportunities needed for academic success and long-term career growth.

“This walk is more than just a symbolic gesture – it’s a significant act of reconciliation,” said Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann. “We walk to remember the resilience of survivors and honour those children who never returned home. It’s a moment to reflect on our shared history and, more importantly, to think about how we move forward together.”

The first 200 participants received orange t-shirts, courtesy of The Co-operators, symbolizing their commitment to the memory of the children lost to the residential school system. The event wrapped up with a community lunch at 12:00 PM, where participants continued to engage in discussions about the importance of Truth and Reconciliation.

Vice-Chief Craig McCallum delivered a powerful speech on the history of residential schools, urging all in attendance to recognize the importance of remembering the past to ensure a better future for generations to come. Residential school survivor Kerry Benjoe also shared her personal journey, a brave and emotional recount of survival and resilience.

FNUniv’s Annual Smudge Walk continues to serve as a meaningful act of remembrance, fostering a space for reflection, healing, and renewed commitment to building a future rooted in reconciliation. With the launch of the Career Centre initiative, FNUniv is paving the way for lasting opportunities that will empower Indigenous students academically and professionally, strengthening the community’s economic and cultural future.

This year’s Smudge Walk was hailed as a great success, bringing together a diverse group of participants and emphasizing the importance of collective action in the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.