IUOE Local 793 acknowledges the observance of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a way of raising awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and honouring the survivors. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not a day of celebration but a day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
The day directly responds to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) “Calls to Action” and an important step in the reconciliation process and rebuilding Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
As part of rebuilding relationships with Indigenous peoples, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) is making a donation to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, which aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Members are called on to mark the day by wearing orange to raise awareness of the tragic legacy of residential schools and to honour the thousands of survivors. Every child deserves to feel appreciated, supported and listened to. Above all, every child deserves to feel hopeful about their future.
Related links:
Government of Canada National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): https://nctr.ca
Orange Shirt Day: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Downie & Wenjack Fund: https://downiewenjack.ca/
About the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1450124405592/1529106060525
Explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/1621447157184
