ISSofBC offices will be closed Thursday, September 30 in recognition and acknowledgment of the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day provides an opportunity to recognize the legacy of residential schools, honour those who have suffered so much and continue to do so and pay our respects to Indigenous peoples as we journey together towards truth and reconciliation.
“This is an important moment to honour and show solidarity with survivors, their families and communities,” said ISSofBC CEO Jonathan Oldman. “We want to demonstrate our support and ensure the whole ISSofBC team has the opportunity to take time to pause, reflect and learn.”
On June 3, 2021, the federal government announced September 30 will be a statutory holiday to recognize the tragic history of loss, and the lasting effects of Canada’s residential school system. This holiday also responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action number 80, which called for the federal government, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
ISSofBC staff set up an online group site this past week as an opportunity to share resources, learn and discuss how to best observe the day.
“We acknowledge these are small steps in our ongoing journey of supporting reconciliation, and that there is still much work to do both as an organization and as part of the immigrant-serving sector,” said Jonathan. “We intend to build on this first day of acknowledgement, using it as an opportunity to further deepen our commitment and action in the year to come.”
September 30 was previously known as Orange Shirt Day. Information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission can be found at https://nctr.ca/.
ISSofBC will resume regular office hours Friday, October 1.
See further external resources shared by staff.
