Laurier honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous mural unveiling event

Sept. 26, 2023
For Immediate Release

WATERLOO — Wilfrid Laurier University will unveil an Indigenous mural on the Waterloo campus library in a special ceremony Thursday ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

Several successful community engagement and participatory painting events — led by Ojibwe artist Michael Cywink — have led to the Sept. 28 unveiling, two days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This project is a community collaboration between Cywink, the Laurier Library and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. 

Along with the mural unveiling on the library's southwest wall, guests are encouraged to tie red ribbons to trees at the event site. Seven trees have been selected for the ribbon-tying displays to represent the Seven Grandfather Teachings. These ribbon displays will commemorate those lost and the survivors of the residential school system.   

The public are asked to register online to attend this event.   

Date: 

Thursday, Sept. 28, 2013 

Time:

3:30 p.m. — media interviews and ribbon tying 
4 - 4:30 p.m. — Speakers and mural unveiling 
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. — additional interview opportunities and conclusion 

Interview Opportunities:  

Mike Cywink, Artist (available for media from 3:30 - 4 p.m.) 
Darren Thomas, Associate Vice-President: Indigenous Initiatives 
Gohar Ashoughian, former Wilfrid Laurier University Librarian 
Suzanne Luke, University Art Curator, Robert Langen Art Gallery 

Location:  

The greenspace between the southwest wall of the Laurier Library and Martin Luther University College. Vehicle access from Albert St. between the mural site and event location will be limited but Laurier can accommodate media vehicles upon request.  

Other Speakers: 

Deborah MacLatchy, President and Vice-Chancellor 
Scott Gillies, University Librarian