September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day
September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada. This federal statutory day was first observed in 2021.
September 30 is a day of remembrance, hope and healing for Indigenous people who have been deeply affected by the colonial legacy. It is also a time for all Canadians to reflect, listen and take restorative action towards truth, justice and reconciliation as allies for Indigenous justice.
Here are some suggestions to mark this day:
Wear an orange shirt to show your solidarity with the children who suffered in the residential school system and the families who were left behind, many of whom still don’t know what happened to their loved ones. Not looking away is a first step toward reparation and reconciliation.
Participate in-person or virtually in Remembering the Children on Parliament Hill. The Centre for Truth and Reconciliation produces this 90-minute commemorative gathering each year.
Read the Truth and Reconciliation final report and the progress that has been made on the Calls to Action that grew from the report.
Take part in a lunch and learn webinar being offered throughout the week by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
The JLP’s virtual discussion, Anti-Racism: Let’s Talk! is one way to create space at work to explore and discuss the ways that anti-Indigenous racism affect our workplaces and the people around us.
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.