Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As we recognize Orange Shirt Day and the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation today, we ask that CAPE members use this opportunity to reflect on the tragic legacy and true history of Indigenous residential schools. It is our duty to know and to remember the events that unfolded back then and to address anti-Indigenous racism to avoid history repeating itself.
As of March 20, 2020, there were 10,088 federal public service employees who identified as Inuit, Métis, or North American Indian/First Nation. To live up to our values and our standing responsibility to champion human rights for all, CAPE commits to play our part in strengthening our support for Indigenous Communities’ rights.
Resources
Below some resources in case you are triggered by this article and topic:
We recognize that this time is difficult for many and that our efforts to honour residential school Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities may cause trauma to those who have suffered through generations of government policies that were harmful to Indigenous peoples. A support line is available to residential school Survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities for support, emotional and crisis referral services. It also provides information on how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Please call 1-866-925-4419 if you or someone you know is triggered while reading this.
We encourage all those who need support at this time to reach out and know that support is always there for through the Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention. Call toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
