National Day of Truth and Reconciliation: How to mark the occasion with your people – Human Resources Director
23 Sep 2022
From decolonizing your language to understanding land acknowledgments
With the National Day Truth and Reconciliation just one week away, it’s time for HR leaders to start planning how to commemorate the occasion with their teams. Intended as a time to reflect on the past ills done to the Indigenous community in Canada, September 30 is not a celebration – it’s a day of remembrance. For employers, it’s up to you to decide if you’ll offer your people the day off of work – federal workers will be granted paid leave.
Origins of the National Day Truth and Reconciliation
Founded off the back of Orange Shirt Day, the National Day Truth was launched after graves containing the remains of children were found in British Columbia. Between 1863 and 1998, over 100,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and made to attend facilities. The pain caused by these actions still runs deep through Indigenous communities – prompting a mass outcry and calls for justice.
