CBTU Statement on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada enacted legislation that recognizes Thursday, September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation; falling on the same day as Orange Shirt Day. This day, moving forward, will serve as a significant reminder of the tragic consequences of the residential school system and its ongoing impact on Indigenous People across Canada.
September 30 calls on us to honour survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that we continue to acknowledge these experiences as part of the reconciliation process. Canada’s Building Trades Unions encourage all Building Trades members to take time to reflect on the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
We commit to working harder to find meaningful ways in which to acknowledge September 30 as a day of recognition – for Canada’s past and our commitment to building a better, more inclusive future for all Canadians. Canada’s Building Trades Unions will be making a donation to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack fund which aims to support programs and events that serve to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and communities together.
For more information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, visit Canadian Heritage online. For more information on Orange Shirt Day, click here.
Check out this panel discussion hosted by the Downie Wenjack Fund on the significance of September 30, what this means for reconciliation in Canada and how we can participate meaningfully. You can view the film, Secret Path, here as well.
And tune in on September 30th when the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation will host a new prime-time broadcast special to mark the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, live Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. ET on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.
Sean Strickland
Executive Director
Canada’s Building Trades Unions
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