Navigation

On the occasion of the Canadian National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day, Canada’s national day of remembrance for truth and reconciliation, NONAM is dedicating an entire day to the topic of Residential Schools and the related questions of truth, responsibility, remembrance, and reparations. The Residential Schools have left deep and lasting scars on Indigenous communities in Canada. What does it mean to confront this history? What forms can remembrance and reconciliation take? And how can reparations be achieved?

Programme

1:00 p.m.
“Kill the Indian, Save the Man”
Guided tour of the collection exhibition with Dr Nina Reuther

The title refers to the destructive assimilation policy that shaped the operation of the Residential Schools. The tour explores their history, ideology, and consequences, and asks how this past continues to resonate today.

2:00 p.m.
Welcome address
Welcome by Jean-Paul Lemieux, Ambassador of Canada to Switzerland and Liechtenstein

Film screening: Sugarcane
With the kind support of the Embassy of Canada.
English with English subtitles, 2024, Documentary, 1 h 47 min

The multi-award-winning documentary Sugarcane explores the investigation into the history of a Residential School and shows how personal memories, institutional responsibility, and the struggle for justice are intertwined.

Followed by a cinema bar and a short break with refreshments.

5:00–6:00 p.m.
Online Talk with Lewis Cardinal

The day concludes with a conversation: Renowned Indigenous educator, activist, and facilitator Lewis Cardinal (Sucker Creek Cree First Nation) focuses on building and nurturing connections in order to bridge cultural boundaries. He speaks about Indigenous perspectives on remembrance and reconciliation, as well as the question of reparations. Together, we will discuss what “Truth and Reconciliation” can mean today and what responsibilities arise from it.

The conversation will be held in English without translation.

Moderation: Florian Gredig, Curator