Surrey has the highest population of urban Indigenous Peoples in BC.
“The Surrey Board of Trade believes the business community has an important role to play in reconciliation and has committed to ongoing education, reflection and promoting economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “We encourage businesses and organizations to join us in reflection and in honouring residential school survivors and promoting good relationships and economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
The Government of Canada recently passed legislation to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity for Canadians to recognize and commemorate the history and intergenerational harm of residential schools. Even though only federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces will be granted a paid day off, other businesses may choose to make this a holiday for their employees on September 30th, but it isn’t a statutory holiday for businesses in BC.
Some ideas for businesses and organizations on how they can show their support on September 30 are:
- Setting aside time for reflection
- Learning more about Indigenous culture, residential schools and reconciliation
- Wearing orange:
Purchase an orange shirt from an approved source such as Native Northwest. Each year, Native Northwest works with an Indigenous artist to design an orange shirt. The 2021 orange shirt was designed by Tsimshian artist Morgan Asoyuf, and proceeds from its sales will be directed to Orange Shirt Society, BC Aboriginal Child Care Association and the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. - Lighting up the exterior of your building orange
- Sending employees these National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Resources:
SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
A crisis line set up to provide support for survivors and those who need it. Call 1-866-925-4419.Hope for Wellness Help Line
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada 24/7. 1-855-242-3310 or by email or chat.
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program provides mental health, emotional and cultural support services to eligible former Indian Residential School students and their families.
EDUCATION
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
At the NCTR, survivors, their families, educators, researchers and the public can examine the residential school system more deeply with the goal of fostering reconciliation and healing.
NCTR’s Truth and Reconciliation Week Online Public Events and Registration
These online events will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content and activities — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Reports
Read the TRC’s 94 calls to action, final report and more.
A Conversation with Senator Murray Sinclair
Broadcast in 2016, Senator Murray Sinclair discusses the role of commissions in Canada.
Residential School Map
An interactive map of residential schools and TRC events in Canada. The map is updated regularly as more research is complete.
Native-Land.ca
An interactive map to find out more about local Indigenous territories and languages.
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