National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept 30th

This year on September 30th Canadians across the country will recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an annual commemoration honouring the children, families, communities, and survivors affected by Canada’s residential school system.

While this new statutory holiday applies specifically to federally regulated workplaces, many businesses and organizations will be marking the day by closing, and providing employees time to reflect on our shared history as Canadians and consider our role in reconciliation going forward. 

In BC, the province has stated that the public sector will be closing, including government offices, post-secondary institutions, and the public school system.

Cycling BC will be closing on September 30th in recognition of this day.

We encourage all our members to take this opportunity to reflect on the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and how we can take steps to move forward towards reconciliation, individually and collectively.          

Memorials, educational, and cultural events are being held online and in-person in communities all across the country in honour of this day.

The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc nation is inviting the public to join their drum circle online on Thursday, September 30, at 2:15 p.m.

Here are some other ways to take action,

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s ‘Calls to Action’ 
• Take a Free Indigenous Awareness Training Course from BCIT
• Wear an Orange Shirt – September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day to honour survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities. 
• Order an Orange Cycling Jersey from the Cycling BC online store. Net proceeds from the sale of the Orange Jersey collection between now and October 7th will be donated to charities and organizations that support residential school survivor groups.
  • While the jerseys won’t be ready for Sept.30th, they can still be worn anytime and we encourage members to wear the jersey throughout the year to create awareness and honour the survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential schools.