The Congress of Union Retirees is a large group of union retirees who have worked hard all their lives. Now that we are retired, we continue to help make Canada a better, fairer place for everyone. One way we do this is by supporting the ideas of Truth and Reconciliation. But what do these words mean, and why do union retirees support them?
Truth and Reconciliation are important steps to fix the wrongs of the past, especially the terrible treatment of Indigenous children in Indian Residential Schools. These schools were places where Indigenous children were taken from their families and made to forget their languages and cultures. Many suffered and some never returned home.
The Truth part means sharing and learning about what really happened. It is about telling the stories of Survivors, people who went to these schools, and understanding the pain caused. Reconciliation means working together to heal wounds, rebuild trust, and create a respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Union retirees support Truth and Reconciliation because they believe in fairness and justice. We want to remember the children who were lost and honour the Survivors. Knowing and understanding history helps us avoid repeating mistakes. Supporting truth and reconciliation helps build a kinder, more inclusive Canada where everyone’s culture and history are respected.
Many Canadians, including union retirees, wear orange shirts on September 30, which is called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The orange shirt symbolizes the children who lost their culture and self-esteem in residential schools. Wearing orange is a way to show respect and to remember that “Every Child Matters.”
Take part in events, like community gatherings, educational programs, and art projects. These activities teach about the history of residential schools and encourage everyone to work towards healing and understanding.
Supporting truth and reconciliation involves listening to Survivors’ stories, learning about history, and showing respect. Union retirees and all Canadians can also help by sharing information on social media and advocating for fairness and justice.
The Congress of Union Retirees supports Truth and Reconciliation because we want to see a future where all people are treated with respect and kindness. Remembering the past and working together for healing is important for building a better Canada, one where every child, Indigenous or not, is valued and cared for. Supporting these efforts shows that we care about justice, history, and the future of all Canadians.
There are many sources of information on these topics, including through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at this site: https://nctr.ca/publications-and-reports/reports/#trc-reports.