Each year on September 30, we mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This is a solemn day for all Canadians to recognize the lasting impact that residential schools have had on Indigenous peoples in Canada, including survivors, their families and communities. We also remember and honour the memories of the children who did not survive – those who died due to abuse, neglect and trauma.

In 2015, after having spent six years travelling to all parts of Canada and hearing from more than 6,500 witnesses as well as members of the public, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released several reports with their findings, along with 94 calls to action. Those calls to action included measures relating to child welfare, education, language and culture, health, justice and constitutional rights. After nine years, only 15 per cent of those have been completed, while some have not even been started.

CEIU’s commitment to advancing Indigenous rights and justice

Our union has a role to play in decolonization and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We provide training and education, such as the CEIU Ontario region’s three-day Truth and Reconciliation training in fall, 2023. CEIU members have also been on the forefront of campaigns for Indigenous justice including #SearchTheLandfill.

CEIU has also developed the following tools for union activists:

• Empowering Union Activists: 5 Strategies to Advance Indigenous Rights and Justice
• Land Acknowledgement Guide

What can you do?

CEIU stands beside Indigenous members who have felt the lasting impact of residential schools ,and we encourage all of non-Indigenous members to reflect on this day and to take the time to learn more and take steps towards reconciliation.

Here are some things you can do:

• Learn:
  
  • Attend a free virtual lunch and learn between September 23 and 27
  • Remembering the Children, a national in-person commemorative gathering broadcast live from Parliament Hill, Sept. 30, 3 p.m. (EDT)
  • Read about the history of residential schools
  • Read Truth and Reconciliation Reports
  • View the 94 Calls to Action
    
    
    
• Understand what reconciliation is and listen to Indigenous peoples when they speak about their experiences
  
  
• Take action:
  
  • Wear an orange shirt on September 30 to show your support
  • Attend public events taking place in communities across the country
  • Donate to the Orange Shirt Society or a similar Indigenous organization
  • Talk to your family, friends and community about the legacy of residential schools
  • Call or email your MP and ask them to implement the remaining Calls to Action