The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on September 30th. This is a day to recognize and grapple with the horrific legacy of residential schools, which have been the cause of ongoing trauma and pain. It is also a day to honour residential school survivors, those who never returned home, their communities, and their loved ones.
September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led initiative that builds on the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, sending the message that every child matters. On this day, as always, reconciliation requires more than just words — it requires education and action.
A few relevant links:
- Read and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, issued in 2015
- Find out more about Orange Shirt Day, and read Phyllis’ story
- Check out Walking the talk: A practical guide to reconciliation for CUPE locals
- Learn from the guide Truth and reconciliation: CUPE taking action through collective bargaining