The federal government has designated the new statutory holiday for federal employees and federally regulated workplaces. In alignment with the B.C. Government advice to all provincial public sector employers, NIC will formally recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by closing to remember and honour the children who lost their lives at residential schools and the survivors, families and communities who continue to grieve.
September 30 is also known as Orange Shirt Day, which was created to recognize the residential school experiences of Phyllis Webstad, who together with many survivors and supporters advocated for a national day to honour the children who suffered in the residential school system. The National Day is created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80 to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and to ensure that public commemoration of the history of residential schools and the recognition of the ongoing trauma to Indigenous peoples remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Classes will be cancelled on Sept. 30. All NIC employees who are normally entitled to provincial and federal holidays will receive this day off and NIC campuses will be closed.
The provincial government reminds us that this year is an interim measure, while engagement with Indigenous partners, business and labour communities will determine the most appropriate way to commemorate this day provincially in future years.
NIC’s recognition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation this year will be dedicated to listening to the stories of residential school survivors, better understanding local truths and taking time for surviving families and community members to grieve.
More resources and information on Orange Shirt Day activities at NIC will be posted they become available.
