Dear Members,

September 30th marks Canada’s first National day of Truth and Reconciliation. The federal government recently passed legislation to make this date a federal statutory holiday entitled The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to bring awareness and reflection to the painful legacy and impacts of the residential school system and colonialism, which systemically till this day undermines and creates ongoing intergenerational harm to indigenous families and communities. 

Reconciliation is the process of healing relationships between Indigenous people and our government.  This term raises awareness about colonization, and requires public truth sharing, apology, as well as commemoration that acknowledges the ongoing effect on indigenous peoples. Building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, including Indigenous worldviews in our everyday actions, and recognizing Indigenous sovereignty, are all ways we can commit to this ongoing process.

This day of truth and reconciliation fall under the 80th call to action: 

“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.”

On this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we can learn more, and reflect on the meaning of this day by attending an event, reading the Truth and Reconciliation report, speaking and listening to Elders, or taking a moment for quiet reflection. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility of all Canadians and requires continued action, not just today, but every day. 

A link to the truth and reconciliation report: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf 

For the story of Phyllis Webstad and why we have an Orange Shirt Day click here: 👉 https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html 

A list of 10 books you should consider reading (this is no specific order):  

    1.    My Decade at Old Sun, My Life of Hell By: Bear Chief  

    2.    Victoria Callihoo: An Amazing Life By: Cora Taylor 

    3.    #NotYourPrincess Voices of Native American Woman  

    4.    Urban Tribes Native Americans in the City  

    5.    Clearing the Planes By: James W. Daschuk  

    6.    The inconvenient Indian By: Thomas King 

    7.    Seven Fallen Feathers By: Tanya Talaga 

    8.    A Really Good Brown Girl By: Marilyn Dumont 

    9.    In this Together Fifty Stories of Truth and Reconciliation 

    10.    Five Little Indians By: Michelle Good 

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this day, what it means to you, and how you intend to to do better for this land, the original nations of this land, and our responsibility to reconciliation.  

In Solidarity,
Your CUPE 4070 CARD Committee