NEWS & EVENTS | September 29, 2021
USB Puts Forth Initiatives To Move Forward On Its Path To Reconciliation
USB's cupola at night, illuminated in orange for National Truth & Reconciliation Day.
Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) is moving forward on its path to reconciliation by taking a number of steps that will support the development of pillar four of its new strategic plan and honour its commitment to “move forward to reconciliation.”
A new role
USB has created the new role of Senior Advisor for Reconciliation and Indigenous Education for the institution, which will be filled by University Secretary Debra Radi.
Ms. Radi’s extensive background in education and her involvement with Indigenous organizations and communities, including United Way Winnipeg’s Council for Indigenous Relations (CIR) and the Kapabamayak Achaak Healing Forest in Winnipeg, will undoubtedly be an asset in this new role.
“Given her Métis identity and roots in the French-speaking Métis community, I know how important it is to her to support USB in this reconciliation project,” said Sophie Bouffard, USB President. “As Senior Advisor for Reconciliation and Indigenous Education, Debra’s mandate will include working with USB’s academic departments and services to advance reconciliation.”
“The role will focus on creating spaces for learning, listening and sharing with stakeholders to encourage our collective reflection and action on Indigenous issues and reconciliation and support the development of a roadmap to achieve the goal of moving forward to reconciliation.”
Illumination of the USB facade and dome
To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, USB will be closed but will join a national initiative spearheaded by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba. That evening, it will illuminate its main entrance and dome with orange lights to honour the Indigenous children who died in residential schools, residential school survivors and their families.
Les Rouges athletic teams go orange
Les Rouges will be selling orange t-shirts as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on which people across the country are encouraged to wear orange. The Les Rouges logo on the orange t-shirts has been redesigned by a Métis graphic designer to give it a beaded look. Athletes on the USB soccer, basketball and volleyball teams will wear these orange shirts during their pre-game warm-ups in October and early November.
All proceeds from the sale of the 200 t-shirts, which will continue while supplies last, will be donated to a Manitoba Indigenous sports organization, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre. The project was developed in collaboration with the Manitoba Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Commission.
USB staff, faculty and students and community members are encouraged to purchase a t-shirt through the online store at ustboniface.ca/lesrouges/boutique.