IUOE Local 793 is again proud to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The statutory holiday, which coincides with the Indigenous-led Orange Shirt Day, was established last year to allow all Canadians to publicly acknowledge and remember the lost children and survivors of the residential school system. It is a vital component of the healing process and is one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
Local 793 has used Truth and Reconciliation Week to acknowledge the generational injustice of the residential school system, while also exploring ways we can all better support our Indigenous neighbours and raise their voices. We do this not just to recognize past trauma, but to rebuild broken relationships in the hope of forging a brighter, more equitable future.
To mark this important day, Local 793 encourages members to wear an orange shirt in solidarity with the Indigenous community and to echo their call that all people are equal and that “every child matters.”
A 24-hour National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support to survivors and can be accessed at 1-866-925-4419.