Honouring the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

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Content warning: References to residential schools, legacies of trauma

We call upon our community to use September 30th as a day for reflection and action

Today we take time to remember and reflect on the immense trauma that we, as a nation, enacted upon Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island.

Local 560 expresses our support and solidarity with our Indigenous colleagues and community members, as we all reflect on the devastation of the Indian Act, the Indian Residential Schools, and the 60s Scoop, among so many other campaigns, which, have devastated individual lives and communities. 

Today, September 30th, 2021, marks Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a solemn day, established to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities. The creation of this day is Action 80 among the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

This day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which represents the time of year when Indigenous children in Canada were torn from their families and sent to residential schools.

Orange Shirt Day was first recognized in 2013 when Phyllis Jack Webstad spoke of her experiences in residential school system. Phyllis was given an orange shirt by her grandmother as a gift on the first day of school. The orange shirt and all of her belongings were taken from her and not seen again. This was Phyllis’ earliest memory of school. The lasting impacts of the residential school system have left a legacy of trauma on generations of Indigenous people in Canada (read more here).

It is only in listening and hearing the truth that we can move towards reconciliation. Reconciliation must include respect for the right of self-determination of Indigenous communities. It must include accounting for the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. It must include ending the destruction of Indigenous lands. It must include ensuring safe drinking water for all.

Today, we will take time to remember and honour this legacy and ask that everyone take the time to reflect.

In Solidarity,

OPSEU Local 560

Resources for Survivors and their families
  • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society encourages Survivors and their families to take time to care for their Mental and Emotional well-being.
    • The Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066
    • 24hr Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419

Actions you can take in recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

Reflect

Today is an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the lasting legacy of residential schools. So how can you can advance your understanding of residential school history? Here are some places to start.

LEARN

Give

Participate
  • Sept. 30 – The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund  President and CEO, Sarah Midanik, hosts a virtual discussion to explore this new day of reflection, the significance of September 30, what this means for reconciliation in Canada and how to participate meaningfully
  • Sept. 30, 8 a.m. –  StreetARToronto: TRUTH Before Reconciliation livestream with Elder Whabagoon (Lac Seul First Nation), Artist Que Rock (Nippissing First Nation) and Barbara Gray (City of Toronto, Transportation Services), via Instagram 
  • Sept. 30, 10 a.m. – Remember Me: A National Day of Remembrance : A national gathering to remember Indigenous children and families affected by Indian Residential Schools and all Indigenous child apprehension programs, which will be livestreamed
  • Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – In the Spirit of Reconciliation : Georgian College, in partnership with Indigenous Services, presents a virtual conversation with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Hearings, about what post-secondary institutions can do to honour the spirit of reconciliation
  • Sept. 30, 2 p.m. – Hart House Orange Shirt Day 2021 virtual event , featuring keynote address by Lee Maracle (free, registration required)
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 3: Rising Hearts virtual 5K Remembrance Run