Every Child Matters: A Week of Remembrance, Reflection, & Learning
September 28–October 1, 2026
White Earth Tribal & Community College will observe a week of remembrance, reflection, and learning in recognition of the children, survivors, families, and generations impacted by Indian Boarding and Residential Schools.
From September 28–30, students, staff, and community members are invited to visit the remembrance area, learn from the boarding school educational display, and offer a pinch of asema/tobacco with an ask or intention. Participants may write a note representing their offering and pin it to the shawl. The note may also serve as an ask for a pipe carrier to care for the asema according to their teachings.
Orange ribbons will also be available throughout the week. Participants are invited to make a ribbon or take one that has already been prepared and wear it in remembrance and solidarity.
On September 30, Orange Shirt Day, everyone is encouraged to wear orange. A screening of Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools will be held at 12:00 PM in Maananoons.
On October 1, the observance will close with care of the asema offering. Pipe carriers and community members with teachings for caring for asema are invited to receive some of the tobacco offered throughout the week. Remaining asema will be entrusted to a local drum to be cared for appropriately.
In remembrance. In solidarity. In learning.
