September 19th: Update to Membership
SAFA is joining with SAIT to encourage all members to spend September 30th, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in activities that express their commitment to reconciliation. We wish everyone to undertake a form of reconciliation that is meaningful for them and their community, and we recognize that this can be a very personal experience that may take a range of forms, from the very informal to the formal.
While it is a workday and not a holiday, there are no classes scheduled. SAIT will be offering on-campus opportunities for employees who wish to learn within their work community, but they also encourage employees to connect and reflect off-campus. Therefore, there is no requirement for classroom faculty to be on campus. Librarians, counsellors, and educational developers should talk with their leadership about on-campus requirements due to operational need.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, SAFA acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
Acknowledging the land is an important part of reconciliation. More information about this practice is available in this video. There is also a document on SAITNOW that provides context about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and many links to resources, videos and conversation starters.