Greetings:
On September 30th, 2021, Canada’s unions marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on this day by strengthening our resolve to fight for Indigenous rights and justice. September 30th is now recognized by the Federal and some provincial and territorial governments as an annual statutory holiday.
This day has also historically been recognized and commemorated across the country as Orange Shirt Day; a day to remember and honour all the Indigenous children taken from their families and communities and sent to residential schools, where they experienced abuse, racism, violence, and mistreatment. This day helps to continue the conversation and efforts around reconciliation. Those who have suffered tell their stories and continue to heal; for the rest of us, it’s about supporting our Indigenous brothers and sisters that have been affected and to remind ourselves that Every Child Matters.
For Canada’s unions, this means continuing to support Indigenous workers and communities and ensuring something like this never happens again.
This September 30th, we ask that you take some time to learn more about this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by exploring the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples; start your learning journey today.
In solidarity,
Russ Shewchuk
International Vice President