September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day marking the legacy of lasting harm caused to Indigenous children, families and communities by Canada’s Indian residential school system – and an opportunity for Canadians to reaffirm their dedication to the 94 calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2015. The day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, coined by Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society and residential school survivor.

MLT Aikins recognizes the importance of acknowledging the historic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and we are committed to the work of truth and reconciliation and to promoting Indigenous perspectives and representation throughout our spheres of influence. We strive to foster a learning environment that supports Indigenous success in the business community and beyond.

In addition to closing our offices, annual observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation includes firm-wide education that emphasizes the perspectives and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples.

This year, we are fortunate enough to be joined by Janice Makokis, renowned Indigenous thought leader and advocate for social justice, for a live-streamed session exploring Indigenous consultation frameworks and insight into Indigenous expectations and critiques of current consultation practices, including in the context of Bill C-5.

Join us in honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day

We invite everyone to take time to reflect on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Wear an orange shirt, explore the resources provided below and engage in learning and dialogue. Every step we take together brings us closer to meaningful reconciliation.

Resources to learn, affirm and share

• What is a residential school?
• What non-Indigenous Canadians need to know
• “What is Reconciliation? Indigenous Educators Have Their Say”
• Why do Indigenous topics cause such emotional discomfort?
• Whose Land Are You On? What to Know About the Indigenous Land Back Movement | Lindsey Schneider |TED
• Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Day Presentation
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Interactive Map
• Spotify: Truth Before Reconciliation podcast

Films and videos

• First Contact
• “Bones of Crows” – CBC Gem 
• Stolen Children | Residential School Survivors Speak Out
• Kamloops Residential School Survivors Recall Students Going Missing, Digging Of Graves In Orchard
• Copy of Truth and Reconciliation, Five Years Later
• “The Stranger” Official Video – Gord Downie – Secret Path
• A Day to Listen: Amplifying Indigenous Voices
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Lunch and Learns (September 23 – 27)

Articles and personal memoirs

• A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada | Phil Fontaine, Aimée Craft and the TRC
• They Came for the Children: Canada, Aboriginal Peoples, and Residential Schools
• The Survivors Speak: A Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
• Where are the children?
• Theodore Fontaine, Broken Circle: The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools: A Memoir (2010)
• Bev Sellars, They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School (2012)
• Edmund Metatawabin with Alexandra Shimo, Up Ghost River: A Chief’s Journey Through the Turbulent Waters of Native History (2015)
• Joseph Auguste (Augie) Merasty, The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir (2015/2017)
• Isabelle Knockwood, Out of the Depths: The Experiences of Mi’kmaw Children at the Indian Residential School at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia (1992/2015)​

This list is nowhere near exhaustive, and there are endless additional resources available online, at your local library or held by Indigenous communities that you can consult.

For survivors in need of support, a national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available by calling the 24-hour service at 1 (866) 925-4419. Additionally, mental health counselling and crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1 (855) 242-3310 or by online chat.

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