OXD observes the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Mural artwork on Granville Island by Debra Sparrow, @qwasen, a self-taught Musqueam artist and designer. Photo by Noel Forst.
Mural artwork on Granville Island by Debra Sparrow, @qwasen, a self-taught Musqueam artist and designer. Photo by Noel Forst.

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30th is now a statutory holiday at OXD. This date coincides with Orange Shirt Day, commemorating Indigenous children forced to leave their families to attend residential schools.

We’re encouraging our staff and community members to make the most of this holiday. It’s an opportunity to learn, attend an event, and support local Indigenous businesses.

Ways to learn, understand, and participate on this day.

Wear an orange shirt.

Wearing an orange shirt (or hat, scarf, or any orange item) shows solidarity, honouring and remembering residential school survivors and those who did not survive. It’s a visual reminder that we still have much work to do towards reconciliation. Learn more about Orange Shirt Day and Phyllis Webstad by watching this short video.

Take some time to read or listen.

Enrol in an educational course.

Use inclusive practices in your work.

Participate in an event.

Take a trip.

Indigenous Peoples have called these lands home for millenia. You can support these organizations with a trip or day tour.

Destination Indigenous

Offering experiences to see the beauty of nature through Indigneous eyes and feel a deep connection by sharing Indigenous traditions and stories throughout BC. 

Talaysay Tours

Offering  Aboriginal cultural and eco-tourism experiences in and around Vancouver, Squamish, and the Sunshine Coast. 

Support local businesses.

Share a coffee, lunch, or dinner at any of the Indigenous-owned establishments in Vancouver.

Spirit Bear Coffee Company

Based in Port Coquitlam, their beans are sold at over 600 locations across Canada. The company sells a variety of espresso beans including “Raven'' (full of life and strength), “Eagle” medium roast (soaring flavour), and “Frog-Breakfast Blend” light roast (jump start your day).

Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro

Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro is entirely Indigenous owned and operated. Their intention is to provide a “gathering place where the focus is on the people and the food”.  Their Urban Smoked Salmon Burger sounds amazing to us!

Mr. Bannock

Who doesn’t love a food truck? Mr. Bannock is “Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck”. The menu boasts fresh local ingredients and ancient cooking methods.

Additional resources

Visit the resources page on the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund website for even more ways to help commemorate the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day. 

Join us

We’re making a pledge to move towards reconciliation. Learn more about the initiatives we’re taking to support an inclusive workplace