On Saturday, Canada will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I am encouraging you to learn the truth about residential schools which is a first step towards reconciliation, wear orange as a sign of respect, and take part in college and community events during this week.

The Government of Canada established the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as part of the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. According to the Government of Canada, “The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

While September 30th is now the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it has been recognized as Orange Shirt Day across Canada since 2013. It commemorates the experience of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose story inspired the creation of Orange Shirt Day. Phyllis wore an orange shirt on her first day attending residential school. She was stripped and her shirt was taken from her when she arrived. When we wear orange, we pay our respects to those impacted by residential schools and show our support for the truth and reconciliation process.

Truth and reconciliation are key parts of making meaningful change to address the legacy of residential schools. Hearing from those directly affected and others who continue to be impacted is vital for us to learn, understand, and take constructive action. The College is committed to truth and reconciliation as ways to make meaningful change.

This week, many activities will take place across CNC campuses. I encourage you to take part. I thank Aboriginal advisors across the region we serve, as well as staff in the Prince George Aboriginal Resource Centre for their time and effort to help us learn and remember. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation page has information on upcoming events.

Saturday September 30th offers an opportunity to take part in community events. I encourage you to attend wherever you live, hear the experiences, and honour those who did not return from residential schools, as well as those who continue to live with intergenerational trauma.

I understand and appreciate how this week may be difficult for members of the college community. I welcome you to avail yourself of counselling and support resources, which are listed below.

I also encourage you to read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. The booklet also contains 10 principles of reconciliation that are vital to the path forward of repairing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

A reminder that CNC will be closed on Monday October 2nd to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As September 30th is on a Saturday this year, we have chosen to recognize the statutory holiday on the Monday that immediately follows.

Thank you.

Counselling and support services

• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): 1-800-721-0066.
• A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line offering emotional and crisis referral services: 1-866-925-4419.
• Within B.C., the KUU-US Crisis Line Society, a First Nations and Indigenous-specific crisis line at 1-800-588-8717.
• CNC Wellness Coaching and Counselling.
• Here2Talk by the Government of British Columbia, a confidential support for students 24 hours a day. Call 1-604-642-5212, toll free 1-877-857-3397, visit the website, or use the Here2Talk app via Google Play and the App store.

For CNC staff members, the employee and family assistance program via Homewood Health. Please call 1-800-663-1142, via TTY at 1-888-384-1152, or visit their website. All calls are completely confidential.