Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
Toronto – September 30, 2026 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to reflect on our ongoing collective responsibility to recognize and confront the legacy of the residential school system and its ongoing impacts and the resilience of Indigenous persons across Turtle Island. As of August 2026, approximately 41% of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action have yet to be started, and 15% have stalled, including the full implementation of the United Nationals Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as the framework for 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.
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.
This year, UFCW Canada, UFCW 175 & 633, and UFCW 1006A commissioned three murals by Indigenous artist Philip Cote as part of the union’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous advocacy, and treaty recognition. The first, Return of the Sacred, was unveiled in the National Office in November. The second, Sacred Circle of Unity, was unveiled at UFCW Locals 175 & 633 offices in April. The third and final, Land of the Original People, was unveiled by UFCW Local 1006A in July.
The murals are the result of a UFCW partnership with the Indigenous-led group called Moccasin Identifier. This group is dedicated to connecting all Canadians with a deeper understanding of Reconciliation and Treaty Recognition through symbolic art, education, and public awareness campaigns.
Today, 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 about UFCW Canada’s reconciliation initiatives, visit: https://www.ufcw.ca/reconciliation
UFCW Canada Resources:
UFCW Canada Indigenous Glossary
Truth Rising: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Indigenous Peoples
webCampus Indigenous Rights and Activism Course
On-the-Go: Understanding Land Acknowledgements (coming October 2026)
Additional Resources:
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Free Online Learning Events
CLC Indigenous Justice and Resource Centre
CLC Guide: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action: Union and Worker Solidarity
