Date Published: 2024/09/27
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Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR).
On this day, we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and remember those who never returned home, survivors, and their families and communities. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, reconciliation and justice with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Learning together
To commemorate NDTR, Orbit Insurance Services, a part of OTIP Group of Companies (OGC), can access the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s Knowledge Repository that features webinars and articles on the diverse cultures, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Learning about the experiences and histories of Indigenous peoples is important to rebuilding relationships from a place of honesty and truth.
OGC's reconciliation journey
OGC continues to be supportive of Indigenous initiatives that encourage truth and reconciliation and urge our members, staff and partners to learn about, and reflect on, our past and how we can meaningfully participate in reconciliation in Canada. Although we can never undo the irreparable trauma caused by residential schools, we are committed to standing with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in solidarity, and as an ally in fostering change for future generations.
We provide annual grant funding to organizations like United for Literacy and Indspire; funding programs that support Indigenous education and services to students and educators across the country. In 2024, OGC donated $40,000 to United for Literacy in support of Summer Literacy Camps in Northern Ontario in partnership with Indigenous communities, and another $40,000 to Indspire. We are proud to support Indspire’s National Gathering for Indigenous Education and Building Brighter Futures initiative, both aiming to improve the educational outcomes of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners.
Our land acknowledgement.
Wear orange
Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30 and is an Indigenous-led commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community intergenerational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters.” The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
We invite you to wear an orange shirt in honour of the survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities.
Support Indigenous businesses
Earlier this year, EdvantagePerks launched its partnership with Cheekbone Beauty, an Indigenous-owned cosmetics brand. The Government of Canada has also created a database of Indigenous-owned businesses to find businesses across the country that you can support and partner with.
Learn more
Reconciliation starts with education. You can explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by continuing your learning journey and visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Join in the conversation
We continue to urge our members, staff and partners to take this opportunity to learn about, reflect on and share our past and how we can meaningfully participate in reconciliation in Canada.
Mental health supports available
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation may be difficult, as many continue to reflect, heal and confront traumas. If you require support, you can call this toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.