On November 29th, the UVSS was made aware of an event that Frances Widdowson and Dallas Brodie have publicly stated that they will hold in front of the McPherson Library during the week of December 1, 2025. The UVSS does not have jurisdiction over this event and has no procedural authority to approve or cancel this event. The University administration has been notified of this event and the concerns raised by UVSS members. The publicly stated purpose of this event is to “hold a free speech discussion about the ‘unmarked graves claim.’” We have received a number of concerns from members of our community that this event may lend itself to residential school denialism.
Residential school denialism is more complex and nuanced than the outright denial of the existence of the Indian Residential School System (IRS). It is the rejection or misrepresentation of basic facts about the IRS in a way that undermines Truth and Reconciliation. Residential school denialism, at its core, asserts Indigenous deficiency and settler innocence. In an era of rampant misinformation and rising extremism, it is more important now than ever to take a strong stance against racism and colonialism and stand up for Truth and Reconciliation.
The UVSS remains dedicated to supporting an inclusive and safe environment for all its members and does not support or condone events which may harm the UVSS community. Information for resources to support those negatively impacted by this event can be found at the Office of Indigenous Affairs/Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, the First Peoples House, and the Native Students Union.
Today and every day, the UVSS acknowledges that our campus resides on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Lək̓ʷəŋən people, including the Songhees, Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ Nations. The UVSS stands in solidarity with these groups and is committed to Truth and Reconciliation.
Sincerely,
UVSS Board of Directors