Athabasca Tribal Council Calling On Canadians To Learn And Reflect On National Day For Truth And Reconciliation

The Athabasca Tribal Council is calling for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30) to be a solemn day to learn and reflect on Indigenous history and to participate in ways that honour survivors, those who never came home, and their families.

ATC’s first priority under Truth and Reconciliation is to recognize, honour and support the survivors and the families of the Indian Residential School System, The 60s Scoop, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirts+.

“Canadians must reconcile their understanding of history with the truth of the atrocities against Indigenous people,” said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council.

“I hope that everyone will take this statutory day not as a holiday but as an opportunity to take the time to honour the dead, the survivors, and the families who carry the burdens of trauma today. Honour them by learning the truth. Reconciliation is a journey that lasts more than one day.”

Chief Adam encourages all Canadians to visit The Orange Path website and use the resources to continue their journey beyond September 30th.

The Orange Path is a website initiated by the ATC to offer guidance to Canadians on their journey to truth, reconciliation, and allyship.

The Orange Path also supports Indigenous survivors and community members on their journey to healing.

“Seeing our community organizations come together to help others on their journey has been inspiring and a source of learning and healing for all involved,” said Karla Buffalo, CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council.

“The resources that have been researched to create the tool kits are on The Orange Path website and have something for every Canadian to learn from in any format they prefer to learn, be it reading, listening, or watching.”

What was known as Orange Shirt Day on September 30th is now a national stat holiday that the federal government passed back in June of 2021.

ATC Community Members who are in need of emotional support are encouraged to call the Athabasca Tribal Council’s IRS Support Worker, Lyn Chartrand, at 780-799-2461, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all Indigenous people.