National Day for Truth + Reconciliation Announcement
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. As a federal statutory holiday coinciding with Orange Shirt Day, this is a day to honour and uphold residential school survivors and intergenerational survivors of the residential school system, and to commemorate those who didn’t return home. This day presents an opportunity to reflect, learn, and commit to meaningful dialogue and action to address the systemic harms and racism Indigenous peoples continue to experience due to colonialism.
What does this mean for employers?
In BC, public sector employees recognize September 30 as a paid statutory day for remembrance. Many private sector organisations committed to EDI also choose to recognize this day as a statutory holiday. Our Reimagine Work team will be taking the day to reflect, learn, and commit to meaningful dialogue and action and won’t be engaged in our regular day-to-day work (so if you get an OOO message, you know why).
What can we do as individuals?
Whether or not you have the day off, we all have a responsibility to listen and act, and Sept 30 marks an excellent opportunity to begin this essential work. If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here are a few ideas from the RW team:
If you are working and have the means, consider donating your pay for Sept 30 to one of these organisations:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society
Native Women’s Association of Canada
Indigenous Perspectives Society
Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
Bear Clan Patrol
Raven Trust
Indspire
If cashflow is tight, consider what active allyship looks like:
You can learn how to develop a culturally safe practice by becoming a member of Culturally Committed. This organisation also provides mentorship to professional organisations, so consider sending along the Professional Membership info to your leadership team.
Share resources with friends, family and colleagues, inspire them to learn alongside you.
Start a book club with team members focused on the work of indigenous authors.
When you know better, you do better, and we have lots to learn on our end. With that in mind, we’d love to hear what you and your team are doing to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.