Truth and Reconciliation

Straight Arrow Awards

Sponsoring Organization: Education Is Our Buffalo

The Truth and Reconciliation – Straight Arrow Awards was named for the 2021 Island Literary Award Winning Book: The Chosen: Straight Arrow – Ann Without An E. The first book in Canada that focuses on Truth and Reconciliation Superheroes. The spirit of the book is to inspire everyday local Indigenous and Ally heroes that move reconciliation and our communities forward together.

Timeline: The application period is open year around and are due September 13, 2021. The Award and Presentation happen during the final week of September. This period is known as Truth and Reconciliation week in Canada. The award presentation is scheduled for October 1, 2021 the day after  the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Purpose: This scholarship has it’s origins in Canada, from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC calls to action addressed the ongoing impact of Residential Schools on survivors and their families. It also provided a path for government and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in to create a joint vision of reconciliation.

In June 2021, a bill creating a statutory holiday on September 30 to commemorate the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada received royal assent after passing unanimously in the Senate. The objective is to create a chance for Canadians to learn about and reflect on a dark chapter in their country’s history and to commemorate the survivors, their families and their communities, as called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Indigenous leaders.

Over the course of more than 100 years, some 150,000 Indigenous children were ripped from their families and forced to attend church-run residential schools, where many suffered physical and sexual abuse, malnutrition and neglect. More than 4,000 are believed to have died.

The date of September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day, a day that has been observed since 2013 in memory of a piece of clothing then-six-year-old Phyllis Webstad had taken from her on her first day at a residential school in 1973.

Education: While educating on Residential Schools, the Awards also promote education and awareness on the discovery of unmarked graves and survivors from Indian Day Schools as well as other schools.  The day and website is intended to educate and remind Canadians about the history of these schools, honour the victims and celebrate the survivors.

Eligibility:

Indigenous

  • Eligible to attend the University of Prince Edward Island
  • Be a member of a First Nation, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples Affiliate, Metis Nation or Inuit beneficiary

 

Ally

  • Eligible to attend the University of Prince Edward Island
  • Participated in reconciliation with with Indigenous peoples.
  • BIPOC, LGBTQTI+ peoples with learning disabilities are all encouraged to apply who are also Ally’s supporting Truth and Reconciliation.

 

Requirements:

  • Electronic application
  • Note: An Indigenous person who is a member of BIPOC can apply as an Ally as well, however must also include in their 500 word essay their support and promotion of BIPOC.
  • Electronically uploaded essay that answer question below for both Indigenous and Ally:

What is your commitment to promoting and protecting Indigenous education, culture and values in the Prince Edward Island in a maximum of 500 word essay.

Awards:

Two 1,000.00 scholarships per year are issued each year to two candidates. One candidate will be Indigenous candidate and the other will be an Ally. Each student must resubmit an application every year, regardless if they were awarded a scholarship the previous year.

Website: http://www.educationisourbuffalo.com/awards
Email: scholarships@educationisourbuffalo.com
Phone: 902-418-6788