Dear friends,
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a meaningful day for Canadians and public servants to recognize the survivors and victims of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities. This is a time for us all to reflect and learn more about the tragic history of residential schools and the ongoing impacts they have had on Indigenous Peoples. In 2025, Canada marks the 5th anniversary of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, which is an Indigenous-led initiative honouring the resilience of survivors and fostering reconciliation.
The Late Justice Murray Sinclair once said, “Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem — it is a Canadian problem. It involves all of us”. This powerful reminder underscores the importance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which honours Indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families and communities through the Residential School System. This day is not only about remembering the past but also about acknowledging the intergenerational trauma and ongoing systemic violence Indigenous communities continue to face. It calls on all Canadians to seek truth, understand our shared history, and recognize the resilience and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples who have lived in deep connection with these lands for thousands of years. Acknowledging that we have a collective responsibility, the following are some meaningful actions you can take to help move reconciliation forward.
Education and Action for Public Servants
For members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), engaging in reconciliation could include participating in educational initiatives such as the self-paced online course titled Walking In Our Truth Together. This course complements employer-led training and calls on members to adhere with Call to Action 57 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report, which urges all public servants to learn about:
- The history and legacy of residential schools
- Treaties and Aboriginal rights
- Indigenous law
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Aboriginal–Crown relations
PSAC’s Advocacy Efforts
Members can also engage, support, and get involved with PSAC, which has taken concrete steps to support Indigenous rights and awareness through campaigns such as:
- Still Thirsty for Justice – advocating for clean water access
- Illunnata – addressing food insecurity in Northern Canada
- Red Dress Pin Project – in partnership with the National Human Rights Council Indigenous Working Group and artist Jaime Black, this initiative honours and raises awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
Honouring Indigenous Veterans – November 8
For VAC and members of UVAE, another significant date is November 8, known as Indigenous Veterans Day, which pays tribute to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have served Canada in times of war and peace for over 200 years. More than 12,000 Indigenous Veterans have served, and over 2,700 Indigenous members currently serve in Canada’s military. However, we must sadly acknowledge that despite their contributions, many Indigenous Veterans faced racism, discrimination, and lack of recognition and some continue to experience this. In recent times, some significant milestones have contributed to help move reconciliation forward.
Key milestones include:
- The first observance in 1994 in Winnipeg
- The erection of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa in 2001
- Official apologies and partial compensation from the Canadian government to First Nations Veterans (2002) and Métis Veterans (2019)
Reconciliation Action Plan
Consider crafting your own unique Reconciliation Action Plan, which would be any meaningful action or actions that move reconciliation forward. For example, you may choose to attend an Indigenous Veterans Day remembrance ceremony, take an education course through PSAC or the Canada School of Public Service, and learn about how you can get involved with some of the PSAC advocacy efforts noted above. The following are some additional efforts or actions you can incorporate into your Reconciliation Action Plan:
- Purchasing products from Indigenous-owned businesses
- Researching the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities in your region and learning the contributions they have made to your community
- Learning the land acknowledgement in your region
Closing
As a union, we must continue efforts to break down barriers and build relationships with Indigenous peoples through events, engagement, and learning. On September 30, dedicate time to deepen your understanding of Indigenous peoples history and culture, commit to ongoing education and cultural awareness, attend local events and ceremonies, and participate in meaningful discussions to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together, we have a collective responsibility to help build a more inclusive and equitable future by reflecting on our shared past and supporting reconciliation in our daily actions for our journey forward.
With gratitude,
Gurm Bhangoo
National Human Rights Advisor/ Union of Veterans Affairs Employees
Resources:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation – Action Plans: https://nctr.ca/education/educational-programs/reconciliaction-plans/
PSAC – Walking in Our Truth Together: https://psacunion.ca/walking-our-truth-together
PSAC – Advocacy Campaigns: https://psacunion.ca/campaigns
PSAC – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Resources for Learning and Reflection: https://psacunion.ca/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation-resources
The Indigenous Foundation – What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/what-is-the-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation
Veterans Affairs Canada – Remembering Indigenous Veterans: https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/indigenous-veterans