Thursday, September 30, 2021 is the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation which also falls on Orange Shirt Day. With the last of 140 federally run Indian Residential Schools closing only 23 years ago, the mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is a concern to this day. 

Today, please join us in taking the time to learn about the histories of Indigenous Peoples, recognize the harm done, and help us on the path to reconciliation. 

Here are a few ways you can respectfully observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at home or at work:  

Wear Orange

All Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on September 30 to raise awareness of residential schools and their tragic history.  

This day stems from the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. Now, an orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations. 

Educate

Whether you want to read, listen, watch, or try, start your learning journey today and begin exploring more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) has become the permanent archive for the statements, documents and other materials the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gathered from 2008 to 2015, and its library and collections are the foundation for ongoing learning and research.  

A collection of Indigenous-made films can also be found on the National Film Board of Canada’s “Indigenous Cinema” page with films dating from present day, back to 1968. 

Attend Events

NCTR is hosting a virtual Truth and Reconciliation Week where events are open to all Canadians, especially grade 5-12 students. Let's continue these important conversations and help educate ourselves and the youth in our lives. 

In collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, the NCTR is producing a prime-time broadcast special, “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”, in partnership with APTN, CBC/Radio-Canada, Insight Productions and Canadian Heritage. This unique one-hour, commercial-free special honours the stories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land. Watch the broadcast or stream live Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. AT, 9:30 NT) on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.

For the Workplace

Here are a few ideas to encourage commitments to Truth and Reconciliation in the workplace: 

• Encourage employees to wear orange on September 30 

• Encourage employees to share their personal commitments to reconciliation  
• Host an information session to help educate employees  
• Allow time for employees to learn through various websites, online events, videos and reading materials. (See the sections above for some great starting points.) 
• Examine your equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) policies with an Indigenous lens 
• Ensure benefits offerings are supportive of Indigenous employees 

Former residential school students can call the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for support and referral services.  

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat. 

Part of fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is ensuring a civil and respectful work environment free of harassment, discrimination or abuse. A workplace violence and harassment policy clearly outlines how violence and harassment is defined, the roles and responsibilities of workplace parties, and reporting investigation and response procedures.

Resources

Former residential school students can call the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 for support and referral services.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counseling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.

Links

Teaching resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation 

Education resources from the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation 

Assembly of First Nations 

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami 

Métis National Council 

National Association of Friendship Centres 

Government of Canada funding supporting Indigenous peoples and cultures 

Resources and Support for Survivors from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation  

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada