Each year, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation invites people across Canada to pause, reflect, and recommit to the work of reconciliation. It is a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, and to remember the children who never returned home. It is also a reminder that reconciliation is not limited to one day of observance. It is an ongoing journey grounded in truth, learning, relationship-building, and meaningful action.
At United Way Centraide Canada, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is an important part of who we are and how we work. As a national organization with deep local impact, we recognize our responsibility to listen to Indigenous voices, support community-led approaches, and reflect on how our own systems, relationships, and decisions can contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80, which called for a day to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure the history and legacy of residential schools remain a vital part of public commemoration. Many people also mark September 30 as Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots movement that carries the message that Every Child Matters and reminds us of the lasting impacts of residential schools on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
Across the United Way Centraide Movement, we know this work requires humility, care, and sustained commitment. Reconciliation asks us to deepen our understanding of the truth, including the painful history and enduring impacts of systemic assimilation and residential schools. It also asks us to consider the role we play as community builders: how we show up, whose voices are highlighted, and how programs, partnerships, and services can better respond to local strengths, priorities, and realities.
Meaningful reconciliation begins with listening. It means learning from Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and ways of being. It means building relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations based on respect and reciprocity. It also means taking time to unlearn assumptions, create space for difficult conversations, and look for practical ways to support Indigenous-led initiatives in communities across the country.
In communities from coast to coast to coast, people will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through ceremonies, educational events, community gatherings, reflection circles, film screenings, and conversations about reconciliation. These moments create space to remember, to honour, and to learn. They can also encourage each of us to move from awareness to action by seeking out Indigenous-led learning opportunities, supporting Indigenous organizations, and continuing conversations in our workplaces, homes, and communities.
For United Way Centraide Canada, this journey is connected to our broader commitment to building strong, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone can reach their full potential. We understand that reconciliation requires more than words. It calls for ongoing learning, accountability, and action guided by Indigenous voices, leadership, and participation.
This September 30, we encourage everyone to take time to reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools, participate in local or national learning opportunities, and consider the role each of us can play in advancing reconciliation. By listening with openness, learning with humility, and acting with purpose, we can contribute to a future grounded in truth, healing, respect, and stronger relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
