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September 30th annually
On June 3, 2021, a bill to establish September 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation statutory holiday received Royal Assent.
In honour of ETFO’s endorsement to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, ETFO is committed to moving forward into reconciliation and commemorates the survivors of the residential school system, their families and Indigenous communities by recognizing September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across the nation.
We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal Peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Canada’s legacy is a part of our collective history and our journey into reconciliation is also a demonstration of our commitment. It is important that we support each other in our learning journey and that ETFO provide opportunities and resources for members to be culturally inclusive educators, including teaching about the residential school system.
The Orange Shirt Day campaign provides Canadians with an opportunity to participate in a collective act. As the campaign embraces the phrase “Every Child Matters” we encourage members to support this campaign and wear orange or participate in a school commemoration activity. Visit the Orange Shirt Day webpage for more information and to access lesson plans at www.orangeshirtday.org.
Please contact Sabrina Sawyer, ssawyer@etfo.org for any questions.
Additional resources and lessons can be found on the following websites: