Truth and Reconciliation: Reflecting, acknowledging, and taking action

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a day to acknowledge and reflect on the legacy of residential schools and to take action to support reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

It has only been 30 years since the closing of the last residential school. For most of us, this is within our lifetimes. It is not a chapter in our ancient history but a very recent and relevant part of Canada’s story.

The legacy of residential schools is a deep wound to Indigenous peoples across Canada and continues to impact the relationship between the First Peoples of this land and those who have arrived since colonization.

Every person who lives on this land we now call Canada is a part of this story. We have a responsibility to acknowledge this reality, and work towards reconciliation.

This does not mean that non-Indigenous peoples today are responsible for what our ancestors and relatives did, but that we cannot continue to benefit from their actions without question.

We must acknowledge and dismantle structures built on the backs of Indigenous peoples.

If we continue to ignore the systemic realities and continue to reap the benefits of colonization unquestioned, then we are continuing the harms of the past.

Opportunities for learning and commemoration

We encourage all our members to participate in an Indigenous-led events, either virtually or in-person:

• National broadcast commemoration: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is marked by a televised commemorative event on Parliament Hill. Attend the event or check your local listings for coverage and broadcast times.
  
• APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada scheduled live coverage: “Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.” 
  
• Virtual learning: the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) offers educational programming and virtual events.

• Local events: many communities across the country host Indigenous-led ceremonies, walks, or community gatherings. Please check local Indigenous community centre websites or municipal listings in your area for in-person events that you can attend.

Further Resources

• CEIU: Indigenous Peoples: Resources for Allies
• CEIU: 5 Strategies to Advance Indigenous Rights (bilingual document)
• PSAC: Indigenous Issues
• PSAC: Decolonizing Labour