SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

September 30th marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

“We acknowledge the land on which the head offices for Tridel/Deltera operates is the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and most recently, The Mississaugas of the Credit River First Nations. Many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island continue to call this land home, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work here.”

September 30th marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to bring awareness to the intergenerational harm and impacts of the residential school system, particularly in light of the discoveries of unmarked grave sites at former residential school locations this year. It’s a time to advance our reconciliation efforts to build a better future for everyone in our community.  

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, which reads:  

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. 

undefined

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2008-2015) was established to document the history and lasting impacts of the Canadian Residential School system on Indigenous students and their families. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) highlighted a dark chapter in the Canadian history of the trauma experienced by Indigenous communities due to the legacy of the Residential school system. 

The TRC has made 94 Calls to Action in order to advance the process of reconciliation and redress the horrifying legacy of the Residential Schools. They urge all levels of government to work together to dismantle the discriminatory practices against Indigenous communities and repair the harm by supporting these communities and educating the public about Indigenous rights. 

Working Towards Reconciliation.  

 Reconciliation is the process of strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. We can commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation by:  

  • Learning more about Indigenous Peoples and cultures in Canada.

  • Building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.

  • Including Indigenous worldviews in our everyday actions.

  • Recognizing Indigenous sovereignty.

Start your own learning journey here

Building Awareness About Reconciliation at Tridel.

 At Tridel, we continue to make progress towards our reconciliation commitments. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Accountability Network has started a learning journey with the First Nations University of Canada on Indigenous Awareness Training for the workplace.   

The DEI Accountability Network sustains and advances Tridel’s commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, workforce and community.  

The 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course consists of 10 modules offering members of the DEI Accountability Network a concise primer on the truths and implications of the historical and contemporary relationship between Indigenous Peoples and those settled on their lands in Canada from the lens of reconciliation. Through this learning process we intend to share knowledge with the entire Tridel family on Indigenous Peoples’ contributions and debunk myths, stereotypes and racism, while also meeting the Calls to Action in the workplace from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TCR).  

This learning journey responds to a portion of Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which reads: 

92.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.

For the full Call to Action click here.

Orange Shirt Day. 

Orange Shirt Day also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. At six years old, Phyllis was given a new orange shirt by her grandmother – which was taken away from her on the first day at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, BC.  

After 40 years, on September 30, 2013, Phyllis shared her story and sparked the Orange Shirt Day movement to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools and honour Indigenous Children, Survivors, their families and communities.  

Visit the Orange Shirt Society to learn more.  

Want to show your support? Join us in honoring the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities by wearing an orange shirt on September 30th. Did you get yours? Get one early next year to participate in #OrangeShirtDay.

Popular Topics