In this edition:
- Chambers: Truth and Reconciliation Requires Action and Partnership
- First Nations University and BDC offer free reconciliation training for entrepreneurs
- University of Alberta offers free Indigenous Canada course
- Premier Ford, Chair Bradley offer statements on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
- Prime Minister begins Truth and Reconciliation Day in Niagara Falls
Chambers: Truth and Reconciliation Requires Action and Partnership
To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) released the following statement:
“Indigenous Peoples make up the fastest growing population in Canada and continue to face systemic barriers to their economic and social well-being,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, OCC. “Every sector has a role to play in advancing Truth and Reconciliation and ensuring equitable outcomes across the country.”
While today presents an opportunity to amplify Indigenous voices and commit to continuous learning and unlearning, the work does not end here. As a collective, we must recognize the lasting legacy and impacts of colonialism, the inter-generational effects of residential ‘schools’ and the ongoing systemic racism facing Indigenous communities across Canada.
“Today, several community-based organizations are hosting events, conversations, and days of action to commemorate residential ‘school’ Survivors and honour their stories throughout the province. We encourage business owners in Niagara to take part in these important learning opportunities and reflect on the local and national history that continues to shape the experiences of Indigenous Peoples across Canada,” said Mishka Balsom, CEO of the GNCC.
Click here to learn about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
First Nations University and BDC offer free reconciliation training for entrepreneurs
4 Seasons of Reconciliation provides the foundational knowledge on the relationship between Canada, Indigenous Peoples, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). It promotes a renewed relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians through transformative learning about truth and reconciliation.
Developed by the First Nations University of Canada and Reconciliation Canada, BDC is proud to offer this course to you for free.
University of Alberta offers free Indigenous Canada course
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations.
Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.
Premier Ford, Chair Bradley offer statements on National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
In a statement made today, Premier Doug Ford and Greg Rickford, remarked that “Ontario is observing the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, we will take the time to learn and reflect on the dark legacy of the Indian Residential School system and its impacts on Indigenous communities.
“We honour the survivors of Indian Residential Schools, as well as those who did not make it home, and acknowledge the ongoing trauma experienced by survivors, families, and communities.”
Regional Chair Jim Bradley offered the following statement in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“Today, we join with Canadians across in the country in observing the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Today is a recognition of the lasting generational impacts of residential schools in Canada, and an opportunity to honour the survivors, as well as their friends, their family members and their communities as a whole.
“On this occasion, we should pause and reflect on the more than 150,000 Indigenous children from across Canada who were violently separated from their families and their communities as a way to systemically erase their culture, language, traditions and way of life. This appalling practice continues to have a severely negative impact on Indigenous people across Canada.”
Prime Minister begins Truth and Reconciliation Day in Niagara Falls
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined representatives of various First Nations and dozens of people in orange for a sunrise ceremony this morning in Niagara Falls.
Trudeau stood silently as the ceremony took place and later spoke with residential school survivors.
Ceremonies, marches and other gatherings are taking place across the country today as communities mark the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Some of the other events scheduled today include the illumination of Niagara Falls in orange every 15 minutes every hour, at the top of the hour.
throughout the evening, beginning at 8 pm.
The day, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a federal statutory holiday that was established last year following the discovery of suspected unmarked burial sites at former residential schools.
Through the Daily Updates, the GNCC aims to deliver important business news in a timely manner. We disseminate all news and information we feel will be important to businesses. Inclusion in the Daily Update is not an endorsement by the GNCC.
