September 30th, 2021 – We recognize today as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This newly designated Federal Statutory Holiday honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
It is a day offered for reflection, learning, and commitment to the ongoing reconciliation process. For many, it is also a time of mourning and great sadness, and as such we regard this as a time to offer empathy and respect.
We mark today by empowering our employees with the resources necessary to further their understanding of:
- The history and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools in Canada,
- The meaning and ongoing application of Reconciliation,
- The meaning and impact of Intergenerational Trauma, and
- The Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s 94 Calls to Action; the ways in which we as an organization have committed to call #92 – Business and Reconciliation, and the ways in which employees may incorporate the Calls to Action on an individual level.
Call to Action #92 emphasizes the need for:
- Meaningful consultation, respectful relationships and obtaining free, prior and informed consent;
- Ensuring there is equitable access to jobs, training and education opportunities in the corporate sector and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects; and
- Training for managers and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples and providing skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
While we have made strides in our commitment to Call to Action #92, we believe reconciliation is an ongoing process and that our work is to continue to learn and implement new ways of thinking and doing business as we go forward.