ReconciliACTION Matters to PSAC BC
What are members, Committees, Components and Locals doing to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this year?
Reconciliation is by its very essence active. It is the act of renewing the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership while addressing the dark legacy of Canada’s residential and day schools for Indigenous children. Therefore, to be achieved it requires ACTION by all.
This work is not to be undertaken exclusively by governments, systems and institutions, but by individuals as well, including PSAC BC members.
Some of the personal actions we take will be both big and small but all of these actions are necessary to move us forward as nations, as community, as a union, and as individuals.
These actions may be as simple as:
- Taking time to learn the true history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
- Reading the 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report;
- Wearing an orange shirt to show your commitment to reconciliation and support for survivors; or
- Making a territorial acknowledge at the start of all meetings and events.
We know there are many PSAC members working hard to advance reconciliation in the union and on a personal level, and we want to honour that hard work. We’re asking PSAC BC members to share what they are doing to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and this ongoing work throughout the year. Provide us with a visual documentation of your actions such as photos, videos, or posters, etc.
All submissions received will be entered into a draw to receive an official “Orange Shirt Day” t-shirt from the Orange Shirt Day Society. The deadline to submit your ReconciliACTION is Sunday, September 22.
In the days leading up to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, PSAC BC will share the pictures and submissions received on our social media channels.
Submissions can be uploaded using the form below, or sent via email to Kristin Schnider, PSAC BC, Regional Political Communications Officer.
And while Truth and Reconciliation is marked with a single date on the calendar each year, we remind everyone that every day we can remember the children who never returned home from residentials schools and the resilience of survivors. Not just on September 30, but throughout the year we can recommit to honouring the true history between Canada and Indigenous Peoples and walking a path of reconciliation together.