The BC-CfE Commemorates Canada’s First National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

posted on September 29, 2021

September 30th has been known as Orange Shirt Day since 2013 but this year the date marks Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

The BC-CfE recognizes the unfathomable grief and loss Indigenous peoples and their families have suffered, and continue to suffer, through colonization and the residential school system. Accepting these challenging and difficult truths is an essential part of the journey of healing and reconciliation.

As health care providers, we must learn and evolve in how we do our work so we are as culturally safe, compassionate, innovative, and patient-centred for our Indigenous patients as possible.

Back in May, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation announced the discovery of the remains of 215 children at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops.

This month, the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Nation shared a video inviting people to learn the Secwépemc Honour Song. As per this invitation and request, please consider taking the time to learn about the Secwépemc Honour Song and join the worldwide simultaneous drumming and singing at 2:15 pm Pacific Time on September 30th.

Additionally, other First Nations among BC’s nearly 200 First Nations are suggesting a moment of silence at 2:15 pm. Additionally, small gestures, like wearing or displaying an orange shirt or ribbon, can show your solidarity with residential school survivors.

All BC-CfE offices, with the exception of the Supervised Consumption Site at H2H, will be closed for the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, providing the space for staff to learn, reflect and honour the day. The BC-CfE has worked towards the goals of truth and reconciliation by donating to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS), by working closely with, and learning from, our Peer Indigenous Research Associates, and through the invaluable teachings offered by our Clinical Education and Training Program.

On this first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, the BC-CfE recommits itself to further learnings and actions which honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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The BC-CfE Commemorates Canada’s First National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

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