Each year, on September 30th, we recognize the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. It is also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day to recognize and raise awareness about the residential school system in Canada.
Today, we will be wearing our orange shirts to show solidarity, to honour, and to remember residential school survivors and those who did not survive. We will also be reflecting and taking action towards reconciliation.
In our efforts of working towards truth and reconciliation, we have committed to the following:
To Listen
We will amplify, elevate, listen to, and learn from indigenous voices. We are committed to planning ongoing speaker sessions with members of the Indigenous community for our team members
To Educate
We will further our education on the residential schools in Canada, and its effects on their students, families, and communities as an important first step on the road to reconciliation. We are committed to working with our Indigenous community members to assemble a book/podcast guide for our team
To Stand in Solidarity
We will honour and uphold survivors and intergenerational survivors of the residential school system and commemorate those who didn't return home. On September 30, we will encourage team members to wear an orange shirt and/or display one at our properties.
To Support
We will support our Indigenous communities. We are committed to working with our Indigenous community to identify partner organizations to build relationships with and support.
For more information on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, click here.