Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, is a day for nation-wide reflection and education

This September 30^th, 2021 is the first year that the federal government has declared a statutory holiday to mark Truth and Reconciliation. In past years, September 30^th has been marked as Orange Shirt Day.  This date was chosen out of recognition that it was typically late September / early October that the federal government’s Indian Agents came for the children.
 
HSA invites members to spend the day in reflection on our collective and individual responsibilities to Truth and Reconciliation.  We are all at different points of understanding and addressing the impacts not only of Residential Schools, but also the of harmful and ongoing colonial tools such as the Indian Act and the 60s Scoop. In an effort to be a part of the change, we have put together some materials and resources for ongoing education in an effort to decolonize our minds and hearts.
 
If your employer is not recognizing the statutory holiday, please reach out to your workplace HSA steward or the union office at @email.
 
Indigenous-led events:

• To participate in some events around the province follow the Indian Residential School Survivor Society’s facebook page where they post events as they learn about them.
• Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is hosting a virtual drum circle at 2:15 on September 30^th to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors of Residential Schools, and the families of these children.   

For Indigenous colleagues and members, we provide this reminder of support services:

• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is available at 1-800-721-0066 along with a 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-925-4419 for those who need immediate support.
• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides an Indigenous-specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717
• The First Nations Health Authority offers support specifically for survivors and families who have been directly impacted by the Indian Residential School system.

Educating ourselves:

This material is often difficult, and so we caution you to ensure you are able to take care of yourself as various emotions may arise – speak with someone you trust, go for a walk in nature, or journal about your experience learning about the Truth.
 
In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Healthcare
 
Understanding colonial roots:

• Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report
• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada 94 Calls to Action
• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Courses:
San’yas Cultural Safety Training– ask your employer about availability through your worksite.
Free: Indigenous Canada created by faculty at the University of Alberta. Certificate options available.

Printer-friendly version.