Hello folks,
June 1 marks the beginning of an important month for us as a community committed to growing how we embody our value of Belonging, as we commemorate and recognize national Indigenous history, and celebrate diversity and Canada’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. While the month of June is the highlight of these celebrations, it is important to carry on our learning journeys all year long.
This month, I encourage everyone to take time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. We will share information and resources throughout June that will raise awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and language. This page is a good place to start, as the materials are created or co-created by Indigenous peoples. I look forward to sharing more information and upcoming events being created by the Indigenous team here at SLC. Stay tuned for details.
Pride month is about acknowledging the history, hardships, and opportunities for progress that remain for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In fact, the month has expanded to a Pride “season” in Canada, with the government creating a resource here that outlines ways to celebrate, participate, and learn. We will share events, information, and opportunities for folks to demonstrate allyship and to increase their understanding while standing together for positive change, and SLC will proudly fly the Progress Pride flag at each of our campuses. Please watch SLC social media, Our College News (the employee newsletter), and your email for updates.
I hope everyone will make time and space this month to recognize and celebrate the diverse groups, histories, and experiences June celebrates, and to actively seek out ways to become an ally. Whether you make an individual commitment, or join a group event, every show of support and new lesson learned helps ensure we are growing the ways we embody Belonging in who we are and how we behave. As someone who is always learning, and who strives to be an ally, I thank you in advance for your support of these two important observances, and for supporting our equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts at SLC.
Sincerely,
Glenn
Glenn Vollebregt (He/Him)
President and CEO
St. Lawrence College