Honouring National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
Toronto – September 30, 2025 – On September 30, UFCW Canada joins people across the country in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the thousands of Indigenous children who never made it home. It is also a time to reflect on the intergenerational trauma caused by colonial policies and to commit ourselves to the ongoing work of reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation is not a single day of remembrance, but a responsibility we carry throughout the year. For workers, unions, and communities, this means listening to Indigenous voices, supporting justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S), and confronting the ongoing impacts of systemic racism, displacement, and economic inequality faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
UFCW Canada members live and work across Turtle Island, situated on the traditional territories of many First Nations. We acknowledge this history and reaffirm our solidarity with Indigenous peoples in the struggle for justice, equity, and respect.
Recently, members of the UFCW Canada Indigenous Committee shared their stories on the vital importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and why September 30 should be recognized as a statutory holiday in every province. The three-part video series features personal reflections and calls to action from Indigenous members across the country. Watch the videos here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
In July 2021, the federal government established September 30 as a federal holiday to honour Survivors of residential schools and to remember the children who never returned home. UFCW Canada continues to advocate for this day to be recognized as a paid statutory holiday for all workers across every province and territory. Currently, only some jurisdictions provide this recognition, leaving many Indigenous workers without the paid time off to join community ceremonies, reflect with families, or take part in healing. UFCW Canada continues to call on provincial governments to act — you can add your voice here.
UFCW Canada has also commissioned a special orange shirt design by Shane Kejick, the creator of the clothing line Neechi By Nature. A multidisciplinary artist working through hip hop and music production, filmmaking, and design, Shane launched Neechi By Nature to create space for the urban Indigenous community and experience through fashion and streetwear. His commissioned orange shirt features a powerful thunderbird on the front, symbolizing strength, protection, and resurgence, while the back carries the message “Carrying Our Ancestors” — a reminder of the resilience, teachings, and spirit that guide us forward in the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation.
Across the country, UFCW Canada members and staff are marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing their orange shirts, honouring Survivors and remembering the children who never returned home. Share your own support by tagging @UFCWCanada on Facebook or Instagram.
UFCW Canada encourages all members to take time on September 30 to learn, reflect, and act. Whether it’s participating in a community event, engaging with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, or supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, each of us has a role to play in building a future rooted in truth, healing, and reconciliation. For more information on UFCW Canada’s advocacy for Indigenous rights, including ongoing campaigns and initiatives, click here.
