September 30th, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, is a time for our nation to honour the survivors of residential schools and reflect on the painful legacy of this dark chapter in our history. It’s a day to take a moment and pause to remember the lives of over 150,000 young Indigenous Peoples who were taken from their families and many of whom never returned home.

This commemorative day has been established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action, and its significance runs strongly for those who continue to live with the trauma of residential schools. Reconciliation is not just about remembrance, it is about real and meaningful, structural change to address the ongoing injustices that continue to harm Indigenous communities.

The 94 Calls to Action are significant steps towards Reconciliation. However, as of today, only 13 Calls have been completed. In 2023, ZERO was done to implement the actions. The progress is mundane, and the actions are not urgently addressed.

It is of the utmost importance for non-Indigenous people to take the opportunity to listen, learn, and commit to meaningful change. Reconciliation is more than symbolic gestures; it is a process that requires each of us to engage with the uncomfortable truths (you must be uncomfortable to be comfortable), reflect on the ongoing impact of colonization, and take action at both personal and institutional levels.

In this 10th anniversary of the TRC, let us honour the resilience of survivors and commit to doing the work needed to ensure a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples live with dignity, respect, and equality. We must look ahead and gather in solidarity for true reconciliation.