Dear Dal Community,
In lieu of my regular column this week, I wanted to draw your attention to the memo sent Thursday afternoon by Vice-Provost Equity & Inclusion Theresa Rajack-Talley, Provost and Vice-President Academic Frank Harvey, and I.
Sincerely,
Deep
Kwe' (Greetings):
The »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ community extends our deepest sympathy to the survivors, families and Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan who are mourning the discovery of 751 unmarked graves of sacred children at the site of a former residential school in that province.ÌýÌý
This is the second such horrific discovery in less than a month with others to follow that will continue to mark one of the darkest chapters in Canada’s history. We are heartbroken at this news and the »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ community offers our unwavering support to the Indigenous communities impacted by this tragedy. We continue to work closely with »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Indigenous Advisory Council on how to better address this issue and make »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ more inclusive in all that we do.ÌýTo honour the 751 children whose lives were lost at the former Saskatchewan residential school and their families, »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ will lower its flags to half-mast.
A National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for formerÌýstudents and those affected. Access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour national crisis line: 1-866 925-4419.
We also encourage anyone affected by this news to reach out to the university for available resources and supports.Ìý
- °Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýprogramÌýis available to students across campus, The Elders are committed to being available to students for guidance, counsel andÌýsupport.Ìý
- °Õ³ó±ðÌýIndigenousÌýStudent CentreÌýhelps create a sense of belonging toÌýsupportÌýstudent success while at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥. OurÌýIndigenousÌýStudent Advisor providesÌýsupportÌýand advocacy for all of »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™sÌýIndigenousÌýstudents.Ìý
- »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Human Rights and Equity ServicesÌýprovides confidential advice andÌýsupportÌýif a member of our community has faced race-based harassment and/or discrimination.Ìý
- StudentsÌýwho require immediate support should contact Student Health and Wellness by phone to book an appointment: 902-494-2171 (Halifax); 902-893-6369 (Truro). Additional e-mental healthÌýoptions for students are available, includingÌýGood2TalkÌý– free and confidential counselling for post-secondary students (dal.ca/good2talk);ÌýAsk a NurseÌý– confidential answers to your health questions within 72 hrs; andÌýTAOÌý– an onlineÌýmental healthÌýlibrary.Ìý
- Faculty and staff resourcesÌýare available through our Employee Family Assistance Program, which can be accessed at workhealthlife.com or at login.lifeworks.com. Please also visit our remote working site for employees for additionalÌýmental healthÌýresources.
Our sympathy, strength, and spirit are with you.Ìý
Deep, Frank & Theresa