National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

As we approach September 30, ISL joins individuals and organizations across Canada in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Understanding the Importance of Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) revealed the devastating impacts of the residential school system, which forcibly removed over 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children from their families between the 1870s and 1990s. These schools sought to erase Indigenous identities, languages, and cultures, leading to intergenerational trauma that continues to affect communities today.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, reminds us of the strength and resilience of Survivors and their families. It is a call to action for all Canadians to reflect on how we can contribute to the process of reconciliation.

ISL’s Commitment to Reconciliation

At ISL, we recognize that reconciliation requires both understanding and action. As a company that provides infrastructure services, we believe that meaningful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples is essential in creating sustainable communities. In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, we aim to deepen our relationships with Indigenous Peoples by:

Listening and Learning: We are committed to learning from Indigenous knowledge and traditions. By fostering a workplace culture of awareness and respect, we aim to create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.
Building Respectful Relationships: We prioritize meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples and obtaining informed consent before proceeding with projects. We seek to integrate the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples into our project work to bring the vision for their community and land to life.
Supporting Education and Awareness: We provide educational initiatives to our employees to increase understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, and contemporary issues. Continuous learning helps us challenge misconceptions and advocate for respectful and equitable practices.

What Can We Do?

Reconciliation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. We encourage our staff, clients, and community partners to engage with this important work by:

Wearing an Orange Shirt: On September 30, wearing an orange shirt symbolizes a commitment to honouring residential school Survivors and those who did not return.
Listening to Indigenous Voices: Attending local events, reading books, or watching documentaries by Indigenous authors and filmmakers helps deepen the understanding of Indigenous Peoples experiences and contributions.
Supporting Indigenous-led Initiatives: Consider donating to organizations that work toward supporting Indigenous communities, preserving languages, or promoting education and well-being.

We honour the Survivors of residential schools and their families, and we acknowledge the pain that continues to affect many Indigenous Peoples today. We are committed to being allies in the journey toward reconciliation.

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