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.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action Report.
- Read our article on understanding society’s role in reconciliation.
- Read a book about Indigenous history or by an Indigenous author. There are many fantastic books, here are just a few we recommend:
- 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
- Our Story, by various authors
- A Mind Spread Out on the Ground, Alicia Elliott
- Listen to The road to reconciliation on CBC’s The Sunday Magazine with Piya Chattopadhyay.
- Listen to The Truth Sharing Podcasts. A project inspired by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, that gives life to the truth and creates a living legacy of commemoration.
Enroll in an educational course.
- The Indigenous Relations Academy offers several self-guided online courses.
- The University of British Columbia (UBC) is offering Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education, a 6-Week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).
- The University of Alberta has a free online and self-guided 12-week Indigenous Canada course.
Use inclusive practices in your work.
- Download the On-screen Protocols & Pathways: A Media Production Guide to Working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit Communities, Cultures, Concepts and Stories from imagineNATIVE.
- Read and implement Elements Of Indigenous Style: A Guide For Writing By And About Indigenous Peoples, by Gregory Younging.
Participate in an event.
- There are several virtual events planned for Truth and Reconciliation Week. The event is open to all Canadian schools and the general public. You can register through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
- The University of British Columbia (UBC) is hosting the Intergenerational March to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. Members of the UBC STEM community, families, and those in solidarity are welcome to participate.
- Listen in on The Inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation discussion. Notable speakers will explore what this day means for reconciliation in Canada.
Take a trip.
Indigenous Peoples have called these lands home for millenia. You can support these organizations with a trip or day tour.
Offering experiences to see the beauty of nature through Indigneous eyes and feel a deep connection by sharing Indigenous traditions and stories throughout BC.
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.
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 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!
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.