September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day
September 30 is the fourth Truth and Reconciliation Day. Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the difficult history and enduring resilience of Indigenous Peoples in the face of colonialism. For many public-service employees, September 30 is a day off. However, it is meant to be a day of reflection and action, not a holiday.
So how can we take time on and around September 30 – and indeed, the rest of the year – to learn about our shared history and take actions to advance the cause of reconciliation?
- Learn about Indigenous history.
- Join the daily lunch and learn webinars being offered throughout the week by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation final report and the progress that has been made on the Calls to Action that grew from the report.
- Wear an orange shirt[ to honour the Indigenous children who suffered through the residential school system and those who never returned home.
- If you are in the National Capital region, you can participate in-person in Remembering the Children on Parliament Hill. If you are elsewhere in the country, you can watch the live broadcast of the commemorative gathering.
Learning and reflection on a difficult shared history are a first step toward reconciliation and justice. This Truth and Reconciliation Day, take part in forging a collective path to healing.
A National Indian Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former Residential School students and those affected. Emotional and crisis referral services are available by calling the 24-hour national crisis line at 1-866-925-4419.
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