For many years, September 30th has served as a special time for us to honour Orange Shirt Day with our staff and Indigenous neighbours in and around Moh'kinstsis. This year, September 30th will hold even more significance as it now marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is also important as it answers the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #80 which is establish this day to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

At Trellis our acknowledgment of this day will align with our commitment to reconciliation. Our offices and many of our programs will be closed as we ask staff to intentionally take time to reflect, learn and participate in action towards reconciliation. However, all our 24/7 programs and some of our child and youth care programs (such as Ready, Set, Go! and some Club programming) will also remain open in support of the community. Any staff working in support of these programs or our Orange Shirt Day activities will be given time to honour the intention of this day at a future date.

As an agency committed to reconciliation, we know that this work goes well beyond one day. As Trellis staff and as individuals we must all take action and concrete steps every day, while encouraging and supporting each other along the way. We hope that this is just one such step on our journey and demonstrates a living out of our values and commitments. We are grateful to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous coworkers who continue to walk with us on this path and invite you to join us on September 29th and 30th for our Orange Shirt Day series or to find your own way to honour and take action towards reconciliation.