September 30 is the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”. This day seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that the public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Since 2013, this day has been observed by wearing an orange shirt in support of Phyllis Webstad whose favourite Orange Shirt was taken away from her in 1973 when she attended her first day of residential school. The meaning of this day has evolved since the discovery of more than 5000 graves near residential schools across Canada. The effects of the residential school legacy continue to this day in many indigenous communities.

Last June, to recognize this day and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 80, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-5 that provides a statutory holiday to all federal workers and those organizations following the Canada Labour Code.

Many individuals, organizations and companies are considering different ideas on what they can do to recognize this day in some meaningful way. As the day is fast approaching, AFOA Canada and the Indigenous Learning Centre are calling on organizations and companies to take two actions:

1. Mark September 30^th by donating $30 (or more) to the Indigenous Learning Centre to contribute directly to Indigenous education, and to skills development within Indigenous communities. The ILC is AFOA Canada’s charity that provides bursaries to Indigenous post-secondary students in business and accounting, and scholarships to people working within indigenous communities to take AFOA Canada capacity development certifications and workshops. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Orange Shirt Society; and
   
2. Walk/run/roll at least 5 kilometres in support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and reflect on the meaning of this day in light of the recent discoveries of graves near residential schools across Canada.
   You will receive a runner’s bib with your donation confirmation that you can download, print and wear to show your support for Truth and Reconciliation, and Every Child Matters. You can use the free app STRAVA to be added to the 5km Walk/Run/Roll event to track your activity and join the leaderboard!

Join us in taking these simple actions to support the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.

Show your support across social media!

Share you support across social media! Post the donation link, invite friends and family to participate, and share photos or video of you during the 5km! Please tag AFOA Canada and use #AFOACanada in your posts and we will share them through our social media channels. You can also send them to us at communications@afoa.ca. The best three photographs will be displayed at AFOA Canada’s next National Conference tentatively scheduled for February 8-10, 2022, in Winnipeg, MB.

If you’d like to share your commitment to the 5km fundraiser in the lead up to September 30, feel free to download and use these social media images.

Supports for Survivors

This time of year and this topic are difficult for many of our people, who are either survivors or the family of survivors. If you are having a difficult time and need support, there are resources available to help you. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has a 24/7 national crisis line available:

How to be an ally

Learn about ways a person can be an ally of the reconciliation effort in Canada by downloading our information guide.

For more information

Please contact Sara Roundpoint at sroundpoint@afoa.ca