The Law Society acknowledges and pays tribute to Indigenous people who were forced to attend Canada’s residential schools, the survivors and the children who never came home. September 30, designated as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, serves as a day for reflection and meaningful discissions about the intergenerational impacts and trauma stemming from the painful colonial history of residential schools. In observance of this significant day, the Law Society will be closed.
We encourage everyone in the legal profession and beyond to take this opportunity to deepen their understanding of the colonial history and consequences of the residential school system, and to reflect on how we can collectively advance the cause of meaningful reconciliation.
Here are some educational resources and ways to participate:
- Discover the importance of reconciliation by exploring our Truth and Reconciliation page, where we discuss our dedication to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through meaningful actions, support for Indigenous lawyers and access to additional resources.
- Purchase and wear an orange shirt on September 30. Ensure you purchase from an official retailer to ensure that every shirt sold goes to the Orange Shirt Society.
- Listen to the LawCastBC episode: Meaningful Indigenous reconciliation and cultural safety with Vicki George, our Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement. She shares insights into the Society's initiatives aimed at removing barriers and promoting cultural safety and awareness within the legal profession.
- Read Justice Murray Sinclair’s memoir Who We Are, which will be released on September 24, 2024. Murray shares stories about his remarkable career and trailblazing advocacy for Indigenous peoples’ rights and freedoms.
- Watch the movie Bones of Crows, directed by Marie Clements. Bones of Crows is a Canadian drama about a Cree woman who survives the Indian residential school system to become a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during World War II.
- Learn more about the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters (IERM) Task Force and recommendations that are being implemented at the Law Society of BC.
- Visit Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at UBC to explore the centre’s collections, exhibitions, podcasts, films, or plan a visit to the centre. They have a list of events happening throughout September to honour Orange Shirt Day.
- Listen to Indigenous-hosted podcasts, such as Telling Our Twisted Histories, The Secret Life of Canada, Muddied Water, Stolen, Kuper Island and All My Relations.
- Donate to Canadian organizations that play a vital role in supporting residential school survivors and Indigenous communities, such as the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and the Indigenous Friends Association.
- Donate to local community initiatives like the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver where they provide Indigenous support programs and welcome donations of essential items like clothing, toiletries and blankets. Another impactful option is to contribute directly to the Orange Shirt Society, supporting their efforts to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools and advocate for the message that "Every Child Matters."
- Residential school survivors and their families can call 866.925.4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada. Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1.855.242.3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
