National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Each year, September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day commemorates the children who never returned to their homes from residential schools, their families and communities and also honours the resilience and strength of both survivors and intergenerational survivors.
Understanding how you can be an ally to Indigenous Peoples is an important way to raise awareness, create a sense of belonging, and increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
History of National Truth & Reconciliation Day
The Canadian government introduced the residential school system in 1883. The residential schools were directed by churches (Presbyterian, Anglican, United and Roman Catholic) with the goal of "educating" Indigenous children. Children were forcibly removed from their homes and placed in residential schools.
However, the education was aimed at erasing Indigenous culture and traditions as the children were forced to conform to Euro-Canadian and Christian ideologies. Children were not allowed to speak their native language or to acknowledge their culture in any way. If they were caught doing so, they were brutally punished in verbal, physical, and sexual ways.
Between 1831-1998, 140 federally run residential schools operated throughout Canada. The last residential school closed in Saskatchewan in 1996. Survivors of the residential school system became unfamiliar with their native language and cultural traditions and even recognizing their own family members.
Children lost their sense of self, and any skills taught in residential schools were ineffective for the Indigenous lifestyle. The residential school system truly stripped away the lives of these innocent children.
The creation of the federal statutory holiday on September 30th was first approved by Parliament, days after the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation discovered 215 graves at a former residential school in Kamloops, BC. Just weeks later, chiefs from the Cowessess First Nation band government found 751 more unmarked graves by a former residential school east of Regina.
More than 1800 unmarked graves have been confirmed or suspected at former residential school sites across Canada, with ongoing searches. While the discoveries have shocked and devastated many people worldwide, Indigenous people and allies say that it had been long known that many children stolen to attend residential schools never made it back home.
Importance of Wearing Orange
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on the same day as Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots campaign founded by Phyllis Webstad, who, had her orange shirt taken away from her on the first day of school. The orange shirt signifies the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-confidence experienced by Indigenous children throughout the years.
This day is meant not only to honour residential school survivors and their families but also to raise awareness and start discussions among peers and colleagues about the history and legacy of the residential school system. Orange Shirt Day provides the perfect opportunity to educate yourself about anti-racism and anti-bullying, eliminate any racial biases and have self-reflection, listen to stories from survivors, and learn more about the relationship and segregation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Orange Shirt Day also carries a slogan, "Every Child Matters," which symbolizes that every child is important and valued, even the lost and stolen children.
On September 30th, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to recognize and raise awareness about the history of the residential school system in Canada, to honour survivors and intergenerational survivors, and to commemorate the children who did not return home.
Intergenerational Trauma from Residential Schools
After the truth of what happened in the Canadian residential schools, researchers and educators began documenting the impacts on the residential school survivors. This was intended as a way to assist with the trauma the survivors had endured. For many children of survivors, studies also found that they display traumatic responses such as anger, depression, suicide, and PTSD. The studies show that these traumatic responses are "learned behaviour" and inherited behaviours from their family members who directly experienced the residential school system.
Colonization led to families being forced to relocate, and children were forcefully removed from their homes and sent into residential schools or non-Indigenous homes or orphanages. Due to this effect, colonization also led to the loss of culture, family stability, traditions and values, and the opportunity for Elders to pass along cultural knowledge to children who were stolen away.
Indigenous Peoples across Canada have experienced and are still experiencing collective trauma, which in turn has led to intergenerational trauma being passed on through many generations. It is important to be mindful when listening to stories from Indigenous colleagues of what they went through in the past. Just because they might have the courage to share their story does not mean they aren't still negatively impacted by it.
Here are a few points to keep in mind at all times in the workplace when it comes to trauma:
In day-to-day interactions, it will not be obvious who is suffering from intergenerational trauma
Respond with respect and compassion
Be careful not to make assumptions and remove any biases
Don't be condescending or overly sympathetic
Mental health support available in Canada:
Former students from residential schools can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis, referral services and information on other health support from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope For Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for counselling and crisis intervention. Call toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
How to Recognize Truth & Reconciliation at Work
Employers can use the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to engage and educate Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff. It is important to provide employees with the tools and resources to reflect their local communities while respecting Indigenous Peoples living in them.
Here are some ideas to work into your planning for Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
Truth & Reconciliation Training is offered by CultureAlly for organizations of all sizes. The 1 hour virtual session is Indigenous led and discusses the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, the importance of Truth & Reconciliation, and how to be an ally to support Indigenous peoples.
Encourage staff to wear orange on September 30th to honour survivors of residential school and those who never returned home. Furthermore, encourage employees to share their commitments to reconciliation in the workplace.
Sensitivity Training: Cultural sensitivity training helps to prevent discrimination, harassment, bullying, and other misconduct among staff members. This will ensure that the workplace is fostered by respect, integrity, and accountability toward everyone. Consider sensitivity training for staff on supporting the Indigenous community in their path to healing.
Guest Speakers: A great way to honour the Indigenous community in the workplace is to bring speakers who can share stories and personal experiences based on race, identity, and racial inequality. If Indigenous employees are comfortable, allow them the opportunity to share their personal stories. Promoting diverse voices allows employees to show consideration and appreciation for Indigenous culture and to engage in a meaningful discussion about anti-racism. A topic can be chosen or voted for in advance, and employees should be aware of what to expect so everyone can get a chance to prepare to share and ask questions.
Workshops: Workshops provide a unique opportunity for participants to think critically and be hands-on with their learning. Especially for colleagues who collaborate and work together, a workshop that shares insight into the strength and resilience of Indigenous Peoples can help to create a sense of community among its participants. Host an information session to educate employees on the history of residential schools and the impacts of these schools on Indigenous people. To organize a workshop, consider local connections, reach out to your company's DEI consultants, or look for virtual workshops online.
Donations and Fundraising: Donating and fundraising to Indigenous community organizations will show the company's aid and support and a sense of gratification from giving back to the community. By donating or organizing fundraisers, employees will feel proud to be a part of a team that is committed to making a difference, which fosters a productive and positive work culture. Here is a link to 10 ways you can donate to Indigenous communities in Canada.
Further Resources & Reading
Here is a list of further resources you can refer to if you would like to educate yourself or your staff members about the culture of Indigenous Peoples and what you can do to be an active ally.