September 30, 2024 marks the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
Learning about this tragic and painful history that continues to impact Indigenous Peoples today is an important part of reconciliation. Through learning and reflecting, people can be moved to take tangible actions that support Indigenous Peoples and contribute towards reconciliation in meaningful ways.
“I encourage all MGEU members to connect with a learning opportunity that resonates with them and to engage in at least one positive action that contributes to reconciliation,” said MGEU President Kyle Ross. “While what we learn will undoubtedly be uncomfortable, taking time to build our understanding of the past will help us take our next steps towards reconciliation.”
Learning and action opportunities
Southern Chiefs’ Organization Event Listing
There are a variety of province-wide events and activities taking place leading up to September 30 and after. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization has compiled an events list that includes a downloadable poster.
Government of Canada's learning resources
Explore the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Visit the learning resources page.
Wear orange
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coincides with Orange Shirt Day. Wearing an orange shirt is one way to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools and to highlight the fact that “Every Child Matters.”
Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day.
Recent step towards reconciliation in the labour movement
Manitoba’s unions take the responsibility for reconciliation seriously, and part of that work involves increasing the representation of Indigenous people in unions.
The Manitoba Unions Indigenous Bursary in Labour Studies was recently established to support Indigenous students in pursuing post-secondary education in Labour Studies. Valued at $5,000, the bursary will be offered for the first time in 2024-2025.
“Making sure that we both learn and act is essential to moving forward in reconciliation,” said Ross. “MGEU is proud to join with other unions in the province to build an Indigenous student’s interest in the labour movement by offering this bursary.”
Support for Survivors
If you are a Survivor and need emotional support, a national crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-866-925-4419.
Emotional, cultural and professional support services are also available to Survivors and their families through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program. Services can be accessed on an individual, family, or group basis.