September 30 is declared the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, a federal holiday (designated jurisdictions – British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon), in honour of the survivors of Indian Residential Schools and those who did not make it home.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commenced on September 30, 2021 in response to Call #80 of Truth and Reconciliation Committee 94 Calls to Action.
80. We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Through our design work in Northern and Western parts of Canada, we have been fortunate to work closely with Indigenous Communities and experience firsthand the richness of culture and community. We have also witnessed the difficulties faced by these communities. We strongly promote and support the process of reconciliation. We are actively working to respond to Call 92.
92. We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:
i) Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects.
ii) Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have 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.
iii. Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
This year, September 30th falls on a weekend, providing a valuable opportunity for all of us to come together in reflection and honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Parkin strongly encourages everyone to take a moment to pause and mark this important date on your calendar, dedicating time to contemplate its significance.
We are fortunate to have the support of various institutions that offer valuable resources to assist us in making the most of this day and engaging in meaningful reflection. We invite everyone to visit the links below to learn, understand, and honour the journey towards truth and reconciliation on September 30, 2023.
RAIC national day truth and reconciliation
RAIC national day truth and reconciliation part 1 history and context
Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action