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A Message from Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
This coming Saturday, September 30, Canadians will observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day when we recognize the tragic legacy of the residential school system in Canada, which separated Indigenous children from their families and communities. It is also a day when we honour the dignity and strength of survivors, family members and communities affected by residential school policies that existed in Canada for more than a century.
Our recognition of this day – as residents of Canada and as members of the Schulich community – is another important step in our ongoing journey toward greater awareness and meaningful reconciliation.
As a result, we will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Schulich in several ways. On Wednesday, September 27, we will hold a workshop and traditional Indigenous smudging ceremony in the McEwen building beginning at 11:30 am. A smudging ceremony uses smoke from burning sacred plants to cleanse negative thoughts and feelings and is an important part of Indigenous culture. We’ll also serve tea and bannock, a traditional Indigenous pan-fried bread, at the event.
Kristin Murray, Schulich’s Executive-in-Residence on Indigenous Initiatives and a member of the Chapleau Cree First Nation, will lead the smudging ceremony and will discuss the meaning and significance of this Indigenous tradition.
Fittingly, the ceremony will take place near the Busy Beaver sculpture in the courtyard. In Indigenous culture, the beaver is a symbol of perseverance, adaptability, resourcefulness and hard work – valuable attributes in both business and life.
In addition to the smudging ceremony, we encourage all faculty, staff and students to wear an orange shirt throughout the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange Shirt Day was started by residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad and has since become a national grassroots movement to commemorate the residential school experience, honour survivors and remember those children who were never able to return home and reunite with their families.
We’ve made arrangements for York University Bookstore to sell Official 2023 “Every Child Matters” orange T-Shirts on Tuesday, September 26 at the Schulich Trading Store on the first floor across from the Schulich Market Cafe. The shirts will be sold for $18 and all profits from the sale of our Orange Shirts will go to support the Orange Shirt Society. Orange shirts can also be purchased at the York University Bookstore in York Lanes every day of the week.
I also encourage members of the Schulich community to learn more about activities taking place at York University, including film screenings and a ceremonial fire at Osgoode Hall Law School on Thursday, September 28.
Our recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important part of our efforts to make our community more inclusive and welcoming.
I hope to see you at the smudging ceremony this Wednesday!
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of Business -
Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick
Past Messages
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Dear Members of the Schulich Community,
Yesterday, York University officially launched Pride Month celebrations with the Pride 2023 Opening Ceremony here on campus – one of a series of events taking place at the university to mark Pride Month.
I encourage you to visit the Pride website to find out more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at York and their many contributions and accomplishments. I also invite you to read this message to discover what we are doing to make our University a more inclusive community, as well as the many events taking place on our campus in connection with Pride Month.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of BusinessDear Members of the Schulich Community,
As communities and individuals across Canada recognize National Indigenous History Month this June, we are invited to honour the legacy of Canada’s Indigenous peoples and their contributions to our country and culture.
I encourage you to read this message about the progress the university community is making in regard to reconciliation and decolonization, as well as to learn more about the many events taking place on our campus in connection with National Indigenous History Month that are intended to promote dialogue and create greater awareness.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of BusinessDear Members of the Schulich Community,
The Schulich community joins people around the world today in showing our support for this year’s International Women’s Day.
The day of celebration provides an opportunity to acknowledge and applaud the many achievements that women have made while also renewing our commitment to bring about women’s equality. It’s also an occasion for all of us to recognize the invaluable role that women play at Schulich.
Our School’s Women in Leadership (WIL) club is raising awareness through a number of events today, including a Social Media Challenge. The event is based on “Embrace Equity” – the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – and involves challenges such as sharing stories about an inspiring woman in your life or listing your favourite women-run small businesses. The WIL club will also set up a table at Schulich today promoting International Women’s Day and encourages fellow students, faculty and staff to drop by and take part in various activities.
International Women’s Day is also a time for us to redouble our efforts to promote gender equality and empower female students by providing the adequate resources and support needed to advance their educational goals. Earlier this year, the Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA Program created “The Executive MBA Women Leadership and Impact Award”, which will be presented annually to five incoming female students enrolled in the number-one ranked Kellogg-Schulich EMBA program. The first recipients of the award, which is worth $10,000, will be announced in January 2024.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, please join me in saluting the women who have contributed so much to our School’s success and to the strength and vitality of the Schulich community.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of BusinessDear Members of the Schulich Community,
Every February, communities and organizations around the country observe Black History Month. This annual event offers our School the opportunity to recognize and salute the many contributions that Black Canadians have made to our country and to the Schulich community.
Here at Schulich, the Black Graduate Business Network is once again hosting a series of speaker events during Black History Month around the theme, “Celebrating Black Excellence”. I invite you to attend these virtual and in-person events, which are designed to inspire and engage.
I also encourage you to read this important message from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Sheila Cote-Meek, Vice President, Equity, People & Culture. The message includes an update on how York is addressing anti-Black racism and creating more inclusive and equitable spaces for Black community members.
During the month ahead, please join me and the entire Schulich and York community in honouring the legacy of Black Canadians – a legacy that has strengthened and enriched our society.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of BusinessDear Members of the Schulich Community,
Our School stands with many Canadians and others around the world in condemning the ongoing acts of violence against women and student protestors in Iran. Many of these brutal attacks and arrests have occurred on university campuses.
These incidents have been the source of a great deal of anxiety and distress for members of our community – particularly our students – who have ties to Iran. I want to let you know that we will do whatever we can to support you.
You should also be aware that York University has a number of resources available to support our students, staff and faculty. I encourage you to read this important message from York University President Rhonda Lenton for more details about we can provide assistance and support.
Sincerely,
Detlev Zwick
Dean & Tanna H. Schulich Chair in Digital Marketing Strategy
Schulich School of Business