After seven years of listening to powerful testimony from survivors of residential schools across Canada, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report in June 2015. The commission also disseminated its 94 Calls to Action to “redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.”
Call to Action No. 86 asks Canadian journalism schools to ensure students are taught “the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools.” With this essential directive in mind, master’s students at Ryerson School of Journalism embarked on this digital reporting project inspired by the TRC’s calls to action in areas from holistic healthcare to criminal justice, from preserving languages to fostering new generations of athletes.
Logo Concept
The concept for our logo was derived from the Star Blanket, which was gifted to the Aboriginal Education Council at Ryerson, on October 25, 2013.
For centuries, Plains People have used robes and Star Blankets to honour individuals at the time of life changing events such as births, deaths, graduations and marriages. Today, it continues to herald a new beginning, a new day dawning. Standing between darkness (ignorance) and light (knowledge) the morning star leads to understanding. To give a Star Blanket is to show utmost respect, honour and admiration.