June 21, 2022

Happy Indigenous People(s) Day!

Today on June 21st, the SFSS wants to celebrate and acknowledge National Indigenous People(s) Day! As an organization, we aim to support and amplify the voices of Indigenous People(s) as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day all across Turtle Island. 

In all the work we do, we are committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and want to go further in amplifying the work of Indigenous students and community members in any capacity. We encourage that students, faculty and staff take the time to center their work around reconciliation, to acknowledge the work we do (as the SFSS) on the traditional, stolen, unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) and q̓icə̓y̓ (Katzie) Nations, and to support and amplify Indigenous community members in a way in which we are able to work together.  

We would also like to recognize the work done by Indigenous community members, and their presence at SFU, ensuring that we provide the space and resources needed to support in advancing programming and the work being done within the institution and the barriers present. Further we must acknowledge that SFU and the SFSS are both colonial institutions and that there is much work to be done in taking the lead from Indigenous students, community members, activists, land defenders and others on the frontlines. 

Finally, we would like to congratulate the Indigenous Graduates of 2022 and recognize your hard work and perseverance throughout your academic journey.

Once again, Happy Indigenous People(s) Day!