The Weekly Download — September 30, 2022

Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada — a day that honours and mourns the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. Over seven generations of Indigenous people were forced into residential schools, and thousands continue to suffer the effects of intergenerational and personal trauma to this day.

Across the country, local activities will commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools, but public acknowledgement on this day is only one part of the reconciliation process. Meaningful support for Indigenous communities should be demonstrated every day of the year.

We all have a lot of work to do.

How You Can Support Indigenous Communities

In accordance with our corporate values, our team members will be taking time to individually reflect on this day and learn how we can become better allies. We’re sharing a list of resources for others who also wish to meaningfully participate. 

Give Back to Indigenous Communities:

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• Native Women’s Association of Canada
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
• Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Listen and Learn:

• Indigenous Canada
• Reconciliation Education 
• Settlers Take Action 
• Canadian Indigenous literature

Support Indigenous Businesses and Creators:

• Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada
• James Jones | @notoriouscree 
• Cheekbone Beauty
• Michelle Chubb | @indigenous_baddie
• Sisters Sage
• Lesley Hampton | @lesley_hampton 
• Kokom Scrunchies