Reflecting, Learning, and Supporting Indigenous Communities
- Samantha Lavoie
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
September 30th marks Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, a day dedicated to remembering the history and legacy of residential schools and honouring the survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and take meaningful action toward reconciliation.
Understanding the Day
Truth and Reconciliation Day is rooted in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which documented the experiences of Indigenous children forced into residential schools. These schools caused intergenerational trauma, loss of language, and cultural disruption.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity for all Canadians to acknowledge this painful history, listen to survivors, and commit to creating a more equitable and understanding society.
Ways to Observe the Day
Even if your business is closed or your routine is paused, there are ways to participate meaningfully:
Educate Yourself and Others
Read books, watch documentaries, or follow Indigenous creators who share stories about residential schools and Indigenous culture.
Encourage staff and family to engage in learning together.
Support Indigenous Communities
Purchase from Indigenous-owned businesses or artists.
Donate to organizations that support Indigenous health, education, and cultural preservation.
Reflect and Act
Take time to reflect on what reconciliation means in your own life and community.
Consider small actions you can take daily to support Indigenous voices and perspectives.
Wear Orange
Orange shirts symbolize the stripping away of culture and identity experienced by children in residential schools. Wearing orange shows solidarity and remembrance.
Why It Matters
Truth and Reconciliation Day is more than a day off. It’s a chance to acknowledge past harms, learn from history, and contribute to a future where Indigenous communities are respected, celebrated, and supported.
By taking time to educate ourselves, support Indigenous voices, and reflect on this history, we help move reconciliation forward in meaningful ways.
Observing Truth and Reconciliation Day is about more than recognition—it’s about listening, learning, and taking action. Every small step toward understanding and support matters.