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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).
On this day, we honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, and their families and communities. We also recognize the ongoing and intergenerational impacts of the residential school system on First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
Public commemoration of this painful history and ongoing impacts is an important part of the reconciliation process. September 30 is also an opportunity to listen, learn, reflect and consider the actions each of us take to contribute to reconciliation in Canada.
Learning together
To commemorate the NDTR, OTIP Group of Companies (OGC) employees can access resources through the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s Knowledge Repository, including webinars and articles focused on Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences.
We encourage employees, members and partners to continue learning from Indigenous voices and Indigenous-led resources, both on September 30 and throughout the year.
Our commitment to continued learning and action
Reconciliation requires ongoing learning, reflection, relationship-building and action. At OGC, we recognize that this work extends beyond September 30 and that our understanding and approach must continue to evolve.
As part of this commitment, we support organizations and initiatives working alongside First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to advance education and opportunities for Indigenous learners.
We continue to support United for Literacy’s Summer Literacy Camps in Northern Ontario, delivered in partnership with Indigenous communities. We also support Indspire, a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. Through this partnership, our funding helps provide bursaries and supports initiatives that bring educators and others together to advance Indigenous student success.
These partnerships represent one part of our continued responsibility to listen, learn and take meaningful action toward reconciliation.
Our land acknowledgement.
Ways to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Wear orange
Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30. This Indigenous-led commemorative day raises awareness of the individual, family and community impacts of residential schools and affirms that Every Child Matters.
The orange shirt has become a symbol of the harms caused by the residential school system and the loss of culture, identity, family connections, freedom and dignity experienced by generations of Indigenous children.
Wearing orange on September 30 can be one way to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home and recognize the families and communities that continue to be affected by the legacy of residential schools.
Support Indigenous businesses and organizations
Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, creators and Indigenous-led organizations is another way individuals and organizations can contribute to stronger relationships and economic opportunities.
EdvantagePerks has a partnership with Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned cosmetics company. The Government of Canada has also created a database of Indigenous-owned businesses to find businesses across the country that you can support and partner with.
Learn more
Reconciliation begins with truth and understanding. Take time to learn more about the histories, cultures, experiences and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation offers resources to support continued learning, including information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and its Calls to Action.
Continue the conversation
We encourage our employees, members and partners to continue learning, listening and reflecting on the role each of us can play in reconciliation. This may include learning more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, seeking out Indigenous perspectives, supporting Indigenous-led organizations and businesses, and considering how reconciliation can be reflected in our workplaces and communities.
Mental health supports available
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult for Survivors, families, communities and others reflecting on the ongoing impacts of residential schools. If you require support, you can call this toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.