National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the survivors of residential schools, the children who never made it home, and their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

In recognition of this day, Republic’s offices will be closed. Team members will take time to reflect, research, and discuss events that have come to light across the country. We will be participating in internal workshops to identify ways that we can support the path to truth and reconciliation both as a team, and as individuals.

If you’re looking for ways to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, please consider some of the following:

1. Read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) embedded link;
2. Participate in National Truth and Reconciliation Week events, which include short videos created by Indigenous storytellers, followed by conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors and the children of residential school survivors. Here’s the schedule . Register for the events here on Eventbrite;
3. Watch Ted Talk “Reconciliation and Education: Lessons to remember before thinking about, talking about, and teaching about Residential schools and reconciliation.” by Starleigh Grass; 
4. Listen to former Senator and Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair’s statement on the discovery at the former Residential School site in Kamloops;
5. Read 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph.