Journey of ReconciliACTION

Written by Leith Monaghan

Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a holiday observed in Canada that honours the victims and survivors of Canada’s residential school system and their families and communities. It also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a movement inspired from the story of Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation. The Orange Shirt Story recounts the experiences of a young Phyllis at residential school, including having her orange shirt taken away. The orange shirt now serves as a reminder that every child matters and is a symbol for the lasting impact that residential schools have had on the lives of so many across Canada. It is also an important reminder that our journey of reconciliation within Canada is still ongoing.

Our Journey to Reconciliation

As an organization, Ever Active’s journey towards reconciliation is continuing. To help guide this journey, the ReconciliACTION team was formed in January 2025 with the goal to reflect on and move forward Ever Active’s continued commitment to the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. This team will continue to build on the reconciliatory actions Ever Active has taken in the past, including our work around creating as using the teachings of Elder Russ Ojay to restructure organizationally and seeking community consultation to create meaningful land acknowledgements.

The Four R’s

One of the ReconciliACTION team’s goals is to develop a structured, strategic framework to integrate action within our work that meaningfully targets related Calls to Action. We are still in the process of internal and external consultations regarding what Calls to Action to focus on. We are working through this process using the 4 R’s of Indigenous Education, a framework developed by Verna J. Kirkness and Ray Barnhardt. The Four R’s are as follow:

Respect: Acknowledging and valuing the inherent dignity, rights, and diverse cultures of Indigenous peoples.
Relevance: Ensuring that initiatives and actions are meaningful and appropriate to the specific needs and contexts of Indigenous communities.
Reciprocity: Recognizing the importance of mutual exchange, giving and taking, and building balanced relationships based on trust and understanding.
Responsibility: Involves being a good relative, demonstrating a deep and sustained commitment to building trust, and taking a proactive role in fostering sustainable, authentic, and long-lasting relationships.

Our team at Ever Active acknowledges that Reconciliation is an ongoing process and not a destination. We commit to support Truth and Reconciliation initiatives in our communities, and will honour, respect, and support meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples in all opportunities.

Resources For You

At Ever Active, we recognize and honour the importance of this day. All Ever Active employees take this day away from regular tasks to focus on learning and growing in their reconciliation journey. We encourage you to partake on your own journey, whether it is wearing an orange shirt on September 30th, participating in a local reconciliation event, or continuing your own personal awareness by exploring a few of the many powerful resources out there:

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Calgary Foundation’s Indigenous Ally Toolkit

For Youth:

What is Orange Shirt Day (CBC)

Spirit Bear’s Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action

Or enjoy a beautiful story featuring IYMP National Director, Dr. Teena Starlight: “My Braids” by Latash Calf Robe.”