September 30th marks a commitment across Turtle Island for settlers, newcomers and Indigenous people alike, to remember the impacts of colonization and partake in building right relation with each other, with the land and with Indigenous peoples.

The day also marks a recurring remembrance of the countless children who were abducted from their home communities and families and put into residential schools, many of whom never returned. Indigenous children continue to be overrepresented in the children services and foster care systems, direct consequences of the intergenerational impacts on our people.

Anyone can participate in this national day, whether you are reflecting through literature and movies or joining a gathering. There are many different ways to learn and expand your understanding of what Truth and Reconciliation really mean.

Here are some of the ways you can be part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with a call to carry this learning and intent forward every day.

Events in Calgary and surrounding area

Pokaiks 10th Annual Reconciliation Walk and Gathering in Calgary: Truth and Reconciliation walk and gathering will feature food trucks, an artisan market, speakers, cultural performances, artwork, as well as many other culturally grounded activities.

Walk and Event Agenda:

11:00 a.m. Reconciliation Walk & Opening Ceremonies

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Artists/Artisans, Community Groups, Family Fun, Dome Theatre

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (after the walk) Performances, Tipi Teachings, Indigenous Games, and Elders Niche

5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closing Ceremonies

https://pokaiks.org

Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre – Free Admission & Concert, followed by an evening performance from JUNO Award-winning Indigenous tenor Jeremy Dutcher at 7:00 p.m.

https://www.studiobell.ca/whats-on/event/nmc-presents-jeremy-dutcher

Every Child Matters Pow Wow: Hosted at the Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre starting at 11:30 a.m. with traditional performances and community gathering

The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland: Open from 10:00 a.m. for family-friendly educational programming focusing on the history of Canada’s residential school system.

Achimowina – The Stories We Tell, An Evening with Maria Campbell (Calgary): https://www.calgaryelbowmetisdistrict.ca/achimowina_the_stories_we_tell

Events in Lac La Biche or surrounding areas

Portage College Sunrise Ceremony

September 30th at 7:00 am

Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement

Orange Shirt Day Walk

September 29 at 10:30

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Metis Crossing: https://metiscrossing.com/things-to-do/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/

Events in Edmonton and area

Wîwîp’son: The Healing Swing showing at Metro Cinema at 7:30 PM Sept 30 2026. It’s a documentary about the Healing Swing created by Dr. Darlene Auger who current lives in Edmonton. “The event will include an artisan market in the lobby and a post-screening panel discussion with Dr. Darlene Auger, Director Aretha Greatrix, Dr. Kelvin Jones, and Ty McKinny, Ph.D.”: https://metrocinema.org/event/wiwipson-the-healing-swing/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, iyiniwak okiskêyihtamowiniwaw, at Fort Edmonton Park, the Indigenous Peoples Experience: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/events/featured-events/truth-reconciliation-day

Truth & Reconciliation Pop-Up Screening & Author Event at Audrey’s Books: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/truth-reconciliation-pop-up-screening-author-event-tickets-1998267455752

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Metis Crossing: https://metiscrossing.com/things-to-do/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/

Returning to Ourselves, A Collective Healing is a free, all-ages community event hosted by Aboriginal Counseling Services of Alberta (ACSA) in honour of Truth and Reconciliation: https://onhuddle.co/event/returning-to-ourselves-a-collective-healing-107857

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Event: https://bentarrow.ca/event/national-day-for-truth-reconciliation-event/

Various Dates: Edmonton Public Library has loads of Indigenous programming all over the city: https://epl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?q=Indigenous  and https://www.epl.ca/indigenous/

September 30th and Beyond:

* Reflect on any prejudice or stereotypes you may have towards Indigenous people and change your thinking to replace those thoughts with positive ones.

* Acknowledge the painful history of racism, genocide and assimilation, while celebrating the beauty and resilience in Indigenous people.

* Acknowledge that you are on Indigenous land, and learn the Native American map of Canada.

* Help to uplift our elders, youth, and communities. Wear orange as a symbol of solidarity, while understanding reconciliation goes beyond one day.

* Be kind to those who are facing addiction or who are houseless. They are the ones who are directly impacted by the Indian Act, racism, and residential school systems.

Literature:

Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada by Michelle Good

* Focus: A powerful collection of essays examining contemporary Indigenous realities, the human costs of colonialism, and what meaningful execution of reconciliation actually requires.

True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change by Jody Wilson-Raybould

* Focus: A foundational, practical guide breaking down the historical context of reconciliation and offering actionable steps for individuals, communities, and organizations

21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph

* Focus: An essential, highly accessible legal and historical guide exploring how the Indian Act heavily restricted Indigenous lives and shapes current generational realities.

Online Programming and Learning:

Hear from members of WISA on Truth and Reconciliation!

Listen to the podcast episodes and learn more about our members stories!

Listen Now

AU has a free MOOC, Indigenous Health and Wellness, Advocacy, and Allyship, which provides an opportunity to learn about anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination as well as strategies for addressing this issue and becoming an ally: https://community.powered.athabascau.ca/indigenous-health-and-allyship/?utm_campaign=PED%20Nurturing&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9kK-P3b9X_8Ipd3b-Q5A6Y84KyZ-EtFLLa9nCPIGx39sm66UDmGmOd_x5RZtHs-886qXiFZLdoGrZghLmSMHa0IpL3vA&_hsmi=438652779&utm_content=438652779&utm_source=hs_automation#/

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has free online/virtual programming for Truth and Reconciliation Week: https://trw-svr.nctr.ca/

Truth and Reconciliation Reports: https://nctr.ca/publications-and-reports/reports/

Read the 94 calls to action: https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Overview of 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/21-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-indian-act-1.3533613

Metis Residential School Survivors Project: https://albertametis.com/truth-reconciliation/our-stories/

Secret Path film, story of Chanie Wenjack, a young boy who died trying to make it home: https://secretpath.ca/

Beyond 94, a website that monitors progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action:

https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/beyond-94?&cta=1

“In the spirit of reconciliation and to honour Residential School survivors, the U of A will be hosting Free Application Days from September 30 – October 9, 2026”: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/admissions/how-to-apply/indigenous-students/free-application-days.html

Wear an orange shirt to support, here’s the history: https://orangeshirtday.org/about/orange-shirt-day/

Donate to Support Survivors and Reconciliation Efforts:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): https://nctr.ca/donate/

Indspire: https://indspire.ca/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/

Orange Shirt Society: https://orangeshirtday.org/support/

Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/donate

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund: https://downiewenjack.ca/support-us/

Legacy of Hope Foundation: https://legacyofhope.ca/

Creating Hope Society: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/creating-hope-society-of-alberta/

Need Support?

National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419 (toll-free)

Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free), Support available in Ojibwe, Cree, Inuktitut, English and French

Posted: April 15, 2026 at 1:15 AM MT

AUSU has concluded the 2026 General Election in accordance with the AUSU Bylaws and POL‑007: Elections. Voting was conducted by secure electronic ballot.

The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) has certified the results in accordance with Bylaw 7.13. The candidates receiving the highest number of valid votes in each portfolio race have been elected to serve on Council for the 2026–2028 term. Click here to view the results.

Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) is pleased to announce the official list of 12 candidates running in the 2026 Council Election across 9 individual races. These students represent a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and passions, and are all committed to enhancing the AU student experience. Each candidate has successfully completed the required eligibility and verification steps in accordance with AUSU’s bylaws and election procedures.

The voting period opens at 12:01 a.m. MT on April 10, 2026, and closes at 11:59 p.m. MT on April 14, 2026.

Why Your Vote Matters

AUSU Council plays critical roles in representing and advocating for AU undergraduate students on institutional, provincial, and federal levels. By voting, you will help decide how student services and advocacy efforts are shaped during the 2026-2028 Council term.

How to Vote

• Eligible voters will receive a secure voting link by email at the start of the voting period.
• The ballot will list each of the 9 races, with the candidates running in each.
• Students may cast one vote per race.
• Review the candidate profiles before submitting your selections.
• Ballots must be submitted before the voting period closes.

Meet the Candidates

View the full candidate list and profiles here: Click here to meet the Candidates

It’s that time of year again. With the arrival of spring and the promise of warmer weather, AUSU’s Spring Awards Season has officially opened. These awards celebrate the unique achievements and dedication of AU students. 

Celebrating Diverse Success

AUSU’s awards recognize that success goes beyond academics in our membership. In addition to academic excellence, these awards highlight resilience, and contributions to the student and broader community.

Award categories include:

• Academic Achievement Awards
• Faculty Scholarships
• Resilient Scholar Award
• Storyteller Award
• Returning Student Award
• AUSU Community Impact and Engagement Award
• Year-Round Bursaries

Supporting Students

Recipients may receive from $500-1,000 in funding to support their academic journeys. 

Apply Here and Be Recognized

Applications are open from April 1 to April 30 (11:59 PM MT). Students are encouraged to apply following these steps:

1. Register and create an account using your AU email address
2. Select the Awards, Scholarships, or Bursary category
3. Choose the Award, Scholarship or Bursary you’re applying to
4. Read the requirements before starting your application
5. Fill out the questionnaire and upload supporting documentation
6. Click submit
7. You should receive an email confirming that your submission was received. If you do not receive this email, please contact AUSU

All active members of AUSU are encouraged to apply and receive recognition for their hard work, perseverance, or the ways in which they give back to their communities. 

Apply here today!

Self‑nominations are now open for the 2026 AUSU General Election.
Undergraduate students interested in serving on AUSU Council are invited to submit a nomination package during the nomination period:

March 17–30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT

Elected Councillors serve a two‑year term and help shape services, advocacy, and student representation at Athabasca University.

The voting period will run from April 10–14, 2026.

To learn how to submit your nomination, review eligibility requirements, and see all mandatory steps, visit our Elections page.

If you have questions, contact the Chief Returning Officer at elections2026@ausu.org.

New Lunch Support for In-Person Labs in Athabasca (One-year Pilot Program)

Students attending in‑person science labs in Athabasca will now receive free catered lunches for the full duration of their lab, thanks to a new partnership between AUSU and AU’s Faculty of Science and Technology.

What students can expect

Fresh, nutritious lunches will be provided each day of the lab. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Why this matters

Students have shared that accessing meals during lab weeks can be challenging and expensive, especially for those travelling from out of town or out of province. This initiative helps reduce stress, supports well‑being, and creates a welcoming space for students to connect with one another. For many AU learners, labs are one of the rare opportunities to meet classmates face‑to‑face, and shared meals will help make those moments meaningful and memorable.

Help shape the future of the program

All lab participants will receive a short AUSU survey to share their experience. Your feedback will help determine whether this program continues beyond the pilot year.

Notice of Special Resolutions of Council Second Reading

This notice is to inform AUSU members that the first readings of the following resolutions have both passed unanimously.

Resolution #1 – New Bylaws Approval

BIRT AUSU Council approves the amended Bylaws as presented.

Resolution #2 – Strategic Plan Approval

BIRT AUSU Council rescinds the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and replaces it with the new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as presented.

AUSU extends sincere thanks to all students who took part in the engagement opportunities and shared their perspectives throughout this process.

A second reading is scheduled for February 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT).

Students who wish to attend the Council meeting may register by emailing ausu@ausu.org with their full name and student ID.

CASA: Join the Movement to Protect Student Financial Aid! 

Help us tell the federal government: don’t cut student financial aid during a cost-of-living crisis.

The federal government has yet to confirm whether the temporary increase to the Canada Student Grant (CSG) from $3,000 to $4,200 will be extended after July 2026. This vital support helps over 700,000 students across Canada manage rising tuition and living costs.

Without a commitment to extend this support, funding could drop back to $3,000, effectively a $1,200 cut each for thousands of students.

Students deserve certainty and stability to focus on their education.

Sign the petition now by February 4th 2026 to urge the government to extend the expanded CSG and protect student financial aid.

Notice of Special Resolutions of Council

This notice is to inform AUSU members that Council will be considering two special resolutions with the following wording:

Resolution #1 – New Bylaws Approval

BIRT AUSU Council approves the amended Bylaws as presented.

Resolution #2 – Strategic Plan Approval

BIRT AUSU Council rescinds the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and replaces it with the new 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as presented.

A survey link has been sent to all current students via email to collect feedback. The survey includes links to the proposed Bylaws, the accompanying rationale for the changes, and the proposed 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. The survey will close on January 26, 2026 at midnight (MT).

A first reading of both resolutions is scheduled for February 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT).
A second reading is scheduled for February 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (MT).

Students who wish to attend either or both Council meetings may register by emailing ausu@ausu.org with their full name and student ID.

Your feedback matters and will help guide Council’s work.

The holiday season has arrived and we’re excited to share some festive cheer with all our members. To celebrate the holidays, AUSU is hosting a four-day giveaway from December 21-24th. Each day members will have the opportunity to win gift cards redeemable at a number of popular stores such as Amazon, DoorDash, Apple, Google Play and more. 

To participate, we encourage you to follow our Instagram page and keep an eye out for each giveaway post. This is our way of saying thank you to our members for an incredible year!

Exam Concerns: 

We have heard many concerns from students about the recent outage related to AU’s MuchLearning platform, and the issues it has caused with prescheduled exams. Thankfully the university confirmed to us today that the platform is fully operational, and exams will proceed as normal. 

If you were affected by the outage or need further guidance, you may contact examunit@athabascau.ca. 

Awards Updates:

The Fall 2025 Awards Season was filled with incredible submissions, and we were thrilled to review the work of our talented students. Each entry showed the drive, persistence, and resilience of AU students, and demonstrated the impact AU students have on the wider community. All winners have been notified for this season.

If you haven’t seen the Spring 2025 winners and their inspiring stories on our website yet, be sure to check them out.

Additionally, the incredible winning submissions of the Spring 2025 Storyteller Awards are found here. These highlight the creativity, talent, and originality of our members, truly celebrating diverse student voices.

Looking Forward to the New Year

As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank all our members for their support over the past year. AUSU looks forward to advocating for and supporting all our students in the year ahead. We cannot wait to continue working hard to improve your student experience.

AUSU is excited to announce that our Fall Awards are now open for application from October 1st to October 31st, closing at midnight MT.

We offer a variety of awards and scholarships that celebrate the resilience, achievements, creativity, and educational journeys of Athabasca University students. AU students are truly like no other and we’re honoured to support them through these opportunities. To learn more about our awards, read our policy 7.02.

Awards Available this Season:

Academic Excellence Award ($1000): Awarded to the students with the highest academic achievement, based on their overall GPA.

Faculty Scholarships ($1000): Recognizes students making impactful contributions academically or professionally within their AU program. This is available for all students in the faculties of Humanities, Science and Technology, Health and Business.

Resilient Scholar Award ($1000): Celebrates inspiring students who have shown resilience and academic success after facing significant challenges or barriers.

AUSU Community Impact & Engagement Award ($1000): Recognizes meaningful volunteering within local communities or the AU student community.

Returning Student Award ($500): For students who have returned to post-secondary education after a minimum of five years.

Storyteller Award ($500): Students are invited to share their AU journey through original artwork, stories, videos, or other creative media.

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Register and create an account using your AU student email address.
2. Select the “Awards, Scholarships, or Bursary” category.
3. Choose the award you want to apply for.
4. Review the requirements for your selected award.
5. Complete the questionnaire and upload all required supporting documents.
6. Click Submit. Your application will not be received unless it is submitted.
7. You will receive a confirmation email. If not, please contact us at president@ausu.org
   

Deadline: October 31, 2025, at Midnight (MT)

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, recognize the survivors and their families, and acknowledge the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system.

The orange shirt is a symbol of what was taken from Indigenous children and communities – their culture, identity, and dignity. By wearing orange, we declare that Every Child Matters. Through this, we honour the past, support the present, and commit to a better future.

At AUSU, we encourage everyone to take this day to reflect on this history, learn from Indigenous voices, and prioritize their wellbeing and healing.

Learn More & Participate:

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): nctr.ca

• Orange Shirt Day: orangeshirtday.org

• Truth and Reconciliation Week (NCTR): nctr.ca/education/trw

• APTN National Commemoration: aptn.ca

• Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association: anfca.com

Foodbank & Fall Awards:

If you are in need of food assistance, we’re here to support you. AUSU’s Food Assistance Program offers help when it is needed most. Apply here and learn more about our program.

And, we have some exciting news: AUSU’s Fall Awards open in two days! Beginning on October 1st, 2025, all AUSU members are encouraged to submit applications to be recognized for their achievements. Members will receive an email as soon as applications are open. We cannot wait to see the incredible submissions this season!