September 30th is The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
It’s a day to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities.
There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996.
Those schools systematically undermined Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures across Canada and disrupted families for generations, severing the ties through which Indigenous culture is taught and sustained, and contributing to a general loss of language and culture.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to reflect on that legacy, but also an opportunity for future action.
We encourage everyone to take some time and reflect on the 94 calls to action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In the construction industry, we can support Indigenous communities by working with Mi’kmaw and First Nations vendors and suppliers.
The organizations we’ve listed below are doing exceptional work in Nova Scotia to lift up and strengthen First Nations communities. We also encourage our members to learn more about them, listen to them, and work with them whenever possible.
Local Organizations:
- The Aboriginal Trades Project
- The Aboriginal Peoples Training & Employment Commission (APTEC)
- Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
- Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
- The Native Council of Nova Scotia
- The Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association