The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is September 30th and was first established in 2013.
The OPBA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee encourages our members to take time on this day and every day to reflect. Reflect on how Indigenous Peoples have been impacted by Canada’s settler colonial policies since European contact. Reflect on the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous children, many of whom lay in unmarked, undiscovered graves at Residential School properties across what is now known as Canada. Reflect on the torture many endured, the sexual assaults, and the disconnection from their families and their lands. Reflect on Phyllis Webstad, the six-year-old whose personal clothing, including a new orange shirt, was taken from her and never returned.
Let’s take this time to reflect, mourn, learn, educate ourselves, and reaffirm our commitment to ending systemic racism, discrimination, and the colonial policies that continue to affect Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous children, women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals. As non-Indigenous people, whether we are multi-generational Canadians or new to these lands, we occupy Indigenous territories and benefit deeply and disproportionately from the settler-colonial system still in place.
Reconciliation means transforming our relationship with Indigenous Peoples in a way that supports Indigenous resurgence and sovereignty while holding space for collective healing. How can we contribute positively to challenging systemic inequalities? How can we ensure that our decisions help create a future where everyone can live and thrive?
Our commitment to reconciliation must be more than just words. It should be reflected in how we work, live, show respect, and take action. Moving forward, let us be intentional in narrowing the gaps of inequity and improving the quality of life for all.
Here are some ideas on how you can spend The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- Does your agency have a Social Procurement Policy? If not, consider bringing this forward.
- Read the 94 Calls to Action and choose at least one to act on.
- Attend a Truth and Reconciliation event.
- Read one of many books written by Indigenous authors.
- Wear orange shirts created and made by Indigenous communities and individuals.
- Educate yourself on the true history of the lands we now call Canada and share your knowledge with family, friends, on social media, and in your professional networks.
- Commit to Truth and Reconciliation year-round.
For those of you who have a paid holiday on September 30th, how will you spend the day? It’s not just a day off; it’s a day to reflect.
Want to learn more?
- Bob Joseph’s : 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
- Bob Joseph’s : Insights, Tips and Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality
- What Are The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Call’s to Action & How Are We Working Toward Achieving Them Today?
- Orange Shirt Society
Miigwetch,
Your OPBA DEI Committee
Kim Squires, Chair, Sherri Adams, Dan Munshaw, Karl Nana Payong, Ann Marie Rickets