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Every year on September 30, the Public and Private Workers of Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This critical day, also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, honours the residential school survivors, remembers the thousands of innocent children who never returned home, and supports the families and communities enduring intergenerational trauma. For the PPWC, observing this day goes beyond marking a calendar. It is a solemn renewal of our commitment to social justice and human rights.
The core principles of the Canadian labour movement, including dignity, equity, fairness, and solidarity, are inextricably linked to the struggle for Indigenous rights. The PPWC has long stood in firm solidarity with Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.
As a union deeply connected to Canada’s resource industries and environmental stewardship, the PPWC recognizes that true economic and workplace justice cannot exist without addressing the painful legacy of colonialism, forced assimilation, and land dispossession. We continue to advocate for Indigenous self-determination, the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the respecting of traditional territories.
September 30 must never be viewed simply as a day off work. Instead, it serves as a call for all Canadians to pause and reflect on the historical and ongoing systemic injustices faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
For over a century, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and communities to attend church-run residential schools, where many endured severe abuse, neglect, and the systematic destruction of their languages and cultures. The ongoing confirmation of unmarked graves at former school sites serves as a tragic reminder that these truths must be confronted directly.
Reflection requires active engagement. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange as a symbol of solidarity and a reminder that every child matters. We must take the time to read the 94 Calls to Action produced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, listen to the stories shared by Elders and survivors, and educate ourselves on the true history of Canada.
True reconciliation is an active, ongoing process rather than a single event. By learning the truth and standing together against discrimination, members of the PPWC and people across Canada can build a future founded on genuine respect, accountability, and justice.
