From the Nominator

"On Sept. 13, 2022, this unique initiative brought our alumni together on the shores of the Grand River near Brantford, Ont. The alumni, from all parts of the province and all walks of life, gathered for Truth and Reconciliation. It was a day that was months in the making and part of a bigger initiative with an even bigger goal: to offer alumni an experiential journey of learning and dialogue, guided by Indigenous partners. 

The initiative, A Mile in Their Shoes: Truth, Empathy, and Reconciliation, was initially prompted by alumni who expressed a desire to take an active part in the calls to action set forth by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, which stated that “all Canadians must make a firm and lasting commitment to Reconciliation to ensure that Canada is a country where our children and grandchildren can thrive.” 

Alumni participated in three paths toward Reconciliation: (1) email readings that focused on biographical sketches of individuals who had been through the residential school system; (2) the Sept. 13 event, which took place at a healing lodge at Six Nations of the Grand River, and (3) a self-directed, post-event course culminating in a virtual sharing circle in December. The course content was curated by Ry Moran, Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation, at the University of Victoria, in collaboration with Kanonhsyonne (Janice Hill), Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation) at Queen’s. The two guided the tone and content of all aspects of the initiative, ensuring all learning materials were accurate and culturally sensitive."

From the Judges

This is a wonderful project. With authenticity and great respect for the pain of history, the organisers have created an exemplar for the power of alumni relations to bring together communities and create a culture of positive change. It serves as a powerful exemplar for others wishing to embrace the potential to stretch traditional boundaries of alumni engagement activity.