Sep 28th, 2022

STATEMENT: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

(OTTAWA, ON) Friday, September 30, 2022 – On Canada’s second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) pauses to reflect on the painful impact of the residential school system on many families and communities in Ottawa and across the country. 

September 30 provides an opportunity for us all to bring awareness and advance reconciliation efforts. It is also a call to action to continue advocating for recognition and reparation. 

As an organization, OCHC is committed to advancing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion among tenants and employees. Together, with Indigenous partners, we create and support healthy, safe, vibrant, and inclusive communities through our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy, as well as the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour and Anti-Racism Employee Resource Group and mandatory training around workplace inclusion and unconscious bias. OCHC’s Community Development team also brings initiatives closer to tenants and communities by partnering with local organizations. 

On this day, OCHC encourages everyone to pause and think about ways to learn more about the immense contributions and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country and the long-lasting impact and legacy of colonization.  

Today also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, and we encourage you to wear an orange shirt to continue to honour survivors of residential and day schools and their families as well as renew our collective commitment to advancing reconciliation. 

Resources  

• For those wanting to understand better, acknowledge and celebrate Indigenous culture, its peoples and history, start your learning journey by exploring more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.   
• Indigenous history – Canada.ca  
• Learning Journey – Canada.ca  
• Reflect on the meaning of September 30 by taking part in a few activities outlined by the City of Ottawa. Click here to learn more.  
• Explore Indigenous history in this free online course provided by the University of Alberta, available at no charge on Coursera  here.  
• Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action here. 
• Learn more about Orange Shirt Day and its origins here. 
• Learn more about Residential Schools through Indigenous filmmakers’ work, available on the National Film Board website. 

Some of us may also experience emotional crises and distress. It is important to remember; help is available.   

• Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society 1-800-721-0066  
• IRS National Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419   
• Distress Centre of Ottawa 613-238-3311   
• YSB Crisis Line 613-260-2360   
• The Hope for Wellness Help Line 1-855-242-3310   

On Canada’s second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, OCHC pauses to reflect, learn, and spread awareness. We remember the children we lost and survivors of Canada’s residential schools, their families, and their communities, and the painful legacy it leaves behind. Today marks a continued and important step forward, and one that cannot be simply symbolic. Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC