OBSERVING THE NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Ever Active Schools will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th.
We encourage other organizations, schools and communities to pause and also move to having September 30th as a public holiday, including the Government of Alberta. True reconciliation involves reflection and truly listening to the positive actions that we can take alongside Indigenous persons. We encourage vulnerability to ask questions and seek answers. We encourage education of the truth and action to reconcile.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was one the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Under Action 80, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, called upon the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a statutory holiday, “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” On June 3, 2021, the federal government passed legislation that designates September 30 of each year as a public holiday under the Canada Labour Code. This national holiday coincides with Orange Shirt Day, which was established to honour the Indigenous children who were sent away to residential schools. Ever Active Schools decision to observe this new holiday is consistent with our values and specifically to Truth and Reconciliation.
As an organization, we are committed to being in action towards reconciliation and healing in a good way, as defined by our Indigenous partners and communities, and we will continue to share our efforts with you. We continue to walk in solidarity with residential school survivors and their families and communities, our Indigenous teammates, Elders in Residence Russ Auger and Flora Northwest, and the communities we serve. Here is a list of resources gathered by our team to support you in your journey and in the role you play in reconciliation, including ideas for commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Support is available for anyone affected by the ongoing effects of residential schools. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) can be reached toll free at 1-800-721-0666.
