September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day to commemorate those impacted by the tragic legacy left behind by Canada’s history with the residential school system.
This day highlights how everyone plays a role in achieving reconciliation and mending the bonds broken between communities. We are dedicated to building an inclusive culture for people, customers and communities. As part of this commitment, we’re recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation annually as a statuary holiday for team members from coast-to-coast-to-coast, offering all of us the opportunity to increase our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and history to strengthen allyship for the Indigenous population.
Rogers is committed to the journey of reconciliation and supporting Indigenous communities across the country and asks Canadians to join in honouring those whose lives were forever changed.
Here are some ways you can expand your understanding of truth and reconciliation:
‘Runs Through Their Blood: A Life Impacted’ airing on Citytv tonight at 7pm EST
An emotionally-driven documentary produced out of the Weengushk Film Institute by Indigenous students enrolled in the film school. The film documents the effects of intergenerational trauma through the history of residential schools, how it is part of the everyday lives of the community, and how a community is moving forward to change. The film will air commercial-free on Citytv, immediately followed by an interview with the filmmakers and Cityline’s Tracy Moore.
Support the Orange Shirt Society and the Residential School Survivors Society with an Orange Shirt
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the same day as Orange Shirt Day (September 30th), which is also a day dedicated to honouring the Indigenous children who were victims of the residential school system. This year’s Orange Shirt Day campaign will donate all proceeds from sales, divided equally between the Orange Shirt Society and the Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS).
To purchase an Orange Shirt from TSC, visit tsc.ca/wewearorange
Push for Real Change by Taking Action and Educating Yourself
Here are 6 ways you can make an impact and become an ally to the Indigenous communities across our country:
- Read/watch Senator Murray Sinclair’s Facebook post
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and choose one of them to act on
- Read/watch the stories of TRC survivors and really listen to their words
- Listen/watch as survivor Geronimo Henry recalls his experience at the Mohawk Institute Residential School
- Watch Stolen Children: Residential School Survivors Speak Out
- Take what you’ve learned and write to your MP to advocate for change