On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, we mark the fifth year of observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the children who never returned home from Canada’s residential schools and honours the survivors, their families, and communities who continue to carry the weight of this legacy.
As treaty people, we all share a responsibility to participate in the reconciliation process. The York University Staff Association (YUSA), through its Equity Committee, encourages every member to reflect on how you can take personal action toward reconciliation — through learning, engagement, and solidarity.
How You Can Engage
There are meaningful opportunities to take part, both on and off campus:
- York University Events – https://events.yorku.ca/tag/indigenous/
- City of Toronto Events – https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/indigenous-events-awards/national-day-for-truth-reconciliation/
Taking the time to attend an event is a way to recognize, honour, and mourn the children whose lives were lost, and to support survivors of the residential school system.
What You Can Do
Reconciliation requires action, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Here are some suggestions:
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action and accompanying reports. Start by choosing one action you can support- https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
- Read the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report, including its 231 Calls for Justice- https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1590523702000/1590523850562
- Attend the Indigenous Legacy Gathering at Nathan Phillips Square which is held annually- https://www.councilfire.ca/indigenous-legacy-gathering-september-29-and-30-2025/
- Explore the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)- https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/about-apropos.html
- ️ Learn about the land you live on by visiting Native Land Digital.
- Understand the significance of land acknowledgements and the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant and the oral history of Tkaronto.
- Take an online course, such as:
- Indigenous Canada MOOC (University of Alberta)
- Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education MOOC (University of British Columbia)
- Read works by Indigenous authors — available for adults, youth, and children.
- ️ Support Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Purchase an orange shirt from Orange Shirt Day to show solidarity.
In Solidarity
History is damning, the reality is shameful, and the work ahead remains infinite. But each of us has a role to play in correcting these wrongs. Let us walk this path together — learning, reflecting, and committing to reconciliation in meaningful and intentional ways.
Brought to you by,
YUSA Equity Committee members: Sandra Bell, Cassandra Chambers, Lorraine Mar, Judy Matadial, Burak Reisyan, Linda Slater, Raquel Torres.
