Yukon University is joining universities and colleges across Canada in cancelling classes and closing campus services on Thursday in honour of National Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day.

“The confirmation of unmarked graves at former residential schools this year weighs heavily on us,” Dr. Lesley Brown, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, said Monday.

“To achieve truth and reconciliation, it is vital we invest time this week learning more deeply about the impact of residential schools on Indigenous people and our shared history.”

“All Canadians should have the same understanding of history and its impacts if we are to understand each other.” added Chùsi Robin Bradasch, associate vice-president Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships.

“It’s not about placing blame or dredging up past wrongs. We have to have a shared history to move forward together.”

The university is holding several events until Wednesday to provide greater context and awareness around the new federal statutory holiday for students and employees.

Throughout the week, there will be an interactive reconcili-action display at Ayamdigut campus in Whitehorse and a Truth and Reconciliation Challenge featuring activities such as finding the traditional territories of your birthplace, exploring the origin of Orange Shirt Day, and sharing, in a word or two, what reconciliation means to you, where students and employees can compete for prizes.

This morning featured an online discussion with elder and educator Vera C. Tourangeau, author of the book, Miss, it hurts.

It speaks of intergenerational impacts of the Indian residential school system and is a cry to help heal the hurt of children and families suffering from the legacy of colonization.

Tourangeau teaches at Peepeekisis Pesakastew School in Balcarres, Sask., and in 2012 received the Distinguished Humanitarian and Community Service Alumni Crowning Achievement Award from the University of Regina.

At noon Wednesday, three films will be screened in the Innovation Commons on the topics of Indigenous history, treaty rights, resilience and First Nations activism in Canada.

Those on campus on Wednesday will be encouraged to wear an orange shirt to honour the survivors of residential school and remember those who did not return home.

The university will observe a moment of silence at 2:15 p.m. that day, along with a prayer song led by Viola Papequash.

At Ayamdigut campus, the four flags that can be lowered will be at half-staff all week in honour of the day, the Indigenous children who died, those who survived and their families.

Orange T-shirts, masks and copies of Miss, it hurts are available for purchase at the campus store along with free copies of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action.

Throughout September, several beading tutorials have been held at Ayamdigut campus for students and employees wishing to bead an orange T-shirt pin.

YukonU encourages students, faculty and staff to actively participate in TRC Day events taking place in their community on Thursday.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Northwestel Inc. president Curtis Shaw was joined by several Indigenous leaders as he handed out made-in-the-North orange shirts to Northwestel employees in preparation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The art on this year’s shirts was designed by N.W.T.-based Tłıch̨ ǫ artist Sarah Erasmus.

It includes the words “Every child matters” in 18 Indigenous languages from across Canada’s North.

“Northwestel is honoured by and grateful for the contributions of the artist and many translators,” the company said.