Each year, on September 30th, we honour the children, families and communities who were impacted by residential schools, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

On September 30th, many of us at PLATO will take time in our day off to realize the significance of the day and to focus on ways of building a path toward reconciliation. The action of adding Orange Shirt Day | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as one of eleven paid holidays under PLATO’s Flex Stat Holiday policy was intended to provide employees the flexibility and opportunity to participate in events, to reflect, and to learn. It aligns with our corporate mission of building a stronger, more inclusive technology workforce.

While we encourage you to dedicate time on September 30th to focus on what the day means to you, personally, and your role in reconciliation, we also remind you that actions to support reconciliation can happen any day of the year.

Below, we are listing five ways that you can participate in Truth and Reconciliation; not just on September 30th, but every day.

Learn about the history of FNMI (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) people and the residential school system by listening to FNMI voices in your community, by attending workshops or events, or by reviewing resources on the internet.

Research the history and origin of the land on which you live and work. Learning about the histories, traditions and connection to the land of FNMI people fosters respect and understanding.

There are many resources available online, including:

University of Alberta – Indigenous Canada

An Introduction to Understanding Indigenous Perspectives in Canada

GeoViewer

WhoseLand

After learning the history, acknowledge the land on which you live and work, draft a Land Acknowledgement that can be read at the start of formal meetings or added to your email signature.

A Land Acknowledgement is a respectful gesture and one piece of a broader effort to address the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization. A Land Acknowledgement gives recognition to the traditional stewards of the land, helps to educate non-Indigenous people about FNMI history, and demonstrates an interest in allyship.

Resources are available online regarding how to create a Land Acknowledgement, including:

University of British Columbia – Land Acknowledgements

How To Create An Effective and Personal Land Acknowledgement

Read the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action and understand the significance of each CTA. This document is part of our shared history, for everyone in Canada, and a crucial component of an inclusive future.

Read, and then share this link with others in your network to read:

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Calls to Action

Share the child-friendly version with your kids to read:

Spirit Bears Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Calls to Action

Engage with FNMI people and groups in your community. Talk with Indigenous co-workers or neighbours to hear of their history and lived experiences.

Attending ‘open-to-all’ powwows and events in your region is one way to connect, if you don’t have already have Indigenous contacts in your network.

Through this engagement, you will not only listen to learn about their history, but can also hear of the contributions that FNMI people have made to Canada and the challenges and opportunities they face today and into the future.

Demonstrate your intended allyship by supporting FNMI businesses and artists, or volunteering with or donating to organizations that are creating a more inclusive world.

Wear an Orange Shirt to symbolize your support, but also educate yourself on the history and context of the orange shirt.

Advocate for change in your workplace, by planning cultural awareness training, and setting goals for hiring Indigenous talent and procuring products and services from Indigenous businesses. If you aren’t a decision maker, identify leadership who is willing to act.

Help to create a culturally safe and inclusive environment at your workplace by reducing barriers and enabling access to traditional knowledge and learning resources for all.

Consider your role in PLATO’s journey toward economic reconciliation and the potential impact. 

How can we participate in Truth and Reconciliation, together?