Province outlines plans for introduction of Truth and Reconciliation Day in September

The provincial government has outlined how it will approach the introduction of a new Federal Holiday in September, with September 30th now to be observed nation wide as Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Federal legislation towards the national day of reflection was introduced in September of 2020, the last day of September to serve as a statutory holiday to commemorate the history and ongoing trauma caused by residential schools and to honour those who were lost and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve.

Last week, Murray Rankin, the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, along with Selina Robinson, the Provincial Minister of Finance charted the path ahead for British Columbians as part of the federal day.

“Over the last two months Canadians have been coming to terms with what survivors of residential schools have always known. Indigenous peoples are bringing to light the true history of this country and the atrocities of the residential school system. 

We share the grief, the pain and the outrage and understand that we have a painful but necessary road ahead of us to walk together, to right wrongs and to support Indigenous communities who are carrying this ongoing burden with strength, resilience and leadership. The need has never been greater to listen and to learn about B.C.’s colonial history and to seek truth, justice and reconciliation. As government, we have an important role in this process, and we know that non-Indigenous British Columbians throughout the province want to play an active part in this critical work.

In their statement, the two provincial ministers noted how September 30th falls on the day that in recent  years has been known as Orange Shirt Day, so called because of the residential school experiences of the campaign’s founder, Phyllis Webstad. 

"It is a day when we honour the children who suffered in the residential school system, and many residential school survivors and supporters have advocated for this to become a national day of commemoration, to respond to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action." 

As part of the provinces ongoing work on reconciliation in British Columbia, the provincial government will work with Indigenous leaders, organizations and communities on the best and most respectful ways to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day here in B.C., followed by engagement with business and labour stakeholders for their perspectives on how the national day is commemorated in future years. 

As for the national holiday of the 30th, the province noted the following as to how it will implemented in British Columbia.

“The national holiday will be observed this Sept. 30 by federal employees and workers in federally regulated workplaces. We have advised provincial public-sector employers to honour this day and in recognition of the obligations in the vast majority of collective agreements. Many public services will remain open but may be operating at reduced levels. However, most schools, post-secondary institutions, some health sector workplaces, and Crown corporations will be closed."

You can review the full Provincial statement here.

More notes on themes from the Legislature can be explored here.