In June of 2021, the federal government announced a new annual statutory day to commemorate and honour the Indigenous lives that were lost, the survivors, and the families and communities who continue to grieve, as a result of the residential school system in Canada. This day is called Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Recognizing the historic tragedies and the ongoing trauma Indigenous communities face is an important and necessary step toward reconciliation. Truth and Reconciliation Day will be held annually on September 30th, and Normac will be observing this day henceforth.
As a progressive employer that is dedicated to recognizing and remembering these preventable atrocities, we are asking all our employees to take time today to acknowledge the tragic history of our country, and to educate themselves on the residential school system in Canada.
Included below are some resources regarding the history of residential schools, education on reconciliation, and the current struggles and traumas that effect Indigenous communities, which we encourage you to read, as well as some donation links to actively help these communities.
Education
Videos:
Heritage Minutes: The Story of Chanie “Charlie” Wenjack
Historic Canada: Residential Schools in Canada: A Timeline
Websites:
Four Seasons: Reconciliation Education
The National Inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
First Nations Education Steering Committee
Legacy of Hope Foundation: Where are the Children?
The Council of Canada: Safe Water for First Nations
Podcasts:
Donations
For CRISIS SUPPORT 24/7 call the KUU-US Crisis Line Society at 1-800-588-8717
