September 30 marks a significant day in Canada as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which aligns with Orange Shirt Day. This day is a time to honor the memory of the children who never made it home from residential schools, alongside the Survivors, their families, and the communities that continue to feel the impact of this tragedy. Acknowledging the painful legacy of residential schools is essential to fostering healing and understanding as part of the broader reconciliation process.
At Diplomat Consulting, we stand in solidarity by wearing orange as a symbol of remembrance for all the children who attended these schools. We are also inspired to move beyond symbolism and create concrete options for reconciliation through identifying economic opportunity for First Nations communities.
But this year we wanted to make it more personal. Below, our team shares their thoughts on what Truth and Reconciliation Day means to them, and how we can all contribute to building a future rooted in respect and understanding.
What Truth and Reconciliation Means to the Diplomat Consulting Team
Nathan Mison
“Reconciliation in Canada for First Nations should, could, and will be based on economic development that First Nations, Métis, & Inuit (FNMI) people will lead for the next century. With one of the youngest demographics in Canada, FNM people are well-positioned to lead the country for generations to come.“
Stephanie Bach
“For me, Truth and Reconciliation is about honouring those who kept these lands for generations before us – their traditions, their way of life, and their people. It reminds us that true reconciliation requires both recognition of history and of our responsibility to listen, learn, and work together toward a future built on mutual respect and understanding.”
Barry Diamond
“Truth and Reconciliation Day is personally significant to me because it compels me to confront the uncomfortable parts of our history while also serving as a powerful reminder that we must all work towards embodying the values of reconciliation in our daily lives.”
Naomi Mison
“When the Kamloops news broke and entered our collective consciousness, I immediately felt compelled to act and have spent the last three years listening, educating myself, confronting hard truths and working as an ally to take concrete steps towards reconciliation. To me, September 30 is a day to honour survivors and those children who never made it home by taking ownership and accountability, because ‘without truth, there can be no genuine reconciliation’ (2015, Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report).”
Kalee Kent
“September 30th serves to promote awareness and to highlight the value in strengthened relationships between Indigenous peoples, our communities and with all levels of government, this day and every day. I cherish the ability to act in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation in both my personal and professional roles and see our Indigenous communities heal and thrive.“
Matthew Yanish
“To me, Truth and Reconciliation Day matters because social change starts with education and casual conversations. Taking the time this week to increase your knowledge of the history of First Nations. Metis & Inuit communities in Canada is a great way to honour the spirit of September 30th. Sharing what you learn with your family and your social circles will create real movement in how we collectively understand how to best share this land with those who have stewarded it for thousands of years.”
Colin Mills
“To me, it’s about empathy. You can’t care about something you don’t understand. Empathy has no limits, but it can only be achieved through awareness. It’s a call to recognize some uncomfortable truths about the history of our country, and with this understanding, build stronger connections in the present for a more united future.”
Mackenzie Boilard
“For me, Truth and Reconciliation Day is all about acknowledging the harm done in our past, and holding one another accountable to be open, and indiscriminate towards all people, especially the indigenous communities of Canada. Today marks an opportunity to open up conversation, and unlearn our own bias’ as a society.“
