National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Today will be the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As a Mutual Insurance company that has been a part of the fabric of Canadian communities for over 145 years, we are committed to remembering the tens of thousands of Indigenous children, taken from their families and forced to attend residential schools.
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The imagery shown here is from the Canadian Government website:
Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the center which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to the reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit and Métis are represented in the image.
Description of the three icons
- The eagle to represent First Nations peoples
- The narwhal to represent Inuit
- The beaded flower to represent Métis peoples
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We are closed today, September 30th, so we can reflect, learn more about and bring awareness to Indigenous people and the ongoing tragic impact the residential system had on First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children and communities.
As a way to honour the lives of residential school survivors September 30th is also observed as Orange Shirt Day. According to the Orange Shirt Day website, this day was selected as being around the time indigenous children were taken from their homes.
“The annual Orange Shirt Day on September 30th opens the door to global conversation on all aspects of Residential Schools. It is an opportunity to create meaningful discussion about the effects of Residential Schools and the legacy they have left behind. A discussion all Canadians can tune into and create bridges with each other for reconciliation. A day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every Child Matters, even if they are an adult, from now on.”
Source: orangeshirtday.org
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As found on the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website:
Cree Proverb: “Ka-kí-kiskéyihtétan óma, namoya kinwés maka aciyowés pohko óma óta ka-hayayak wasétam askihk, ékwa ka-kakwéy miskétan kiskéyihtamowin, iyinísiwin, kistéyitowin, mina nánisitotatowin kakiya ayisiniwak, ékosi óma kakiya ka-wahkotowak.
(Realize that we as human beings have been put on this earth for only a short time and that we must use this time to gain wisdom, knowledge, respect and the understanding for all human beings since we are all relatives).”
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We invite all Canadians to use today for reflection, learning and reaching out to indigenous communities to listen to their experiences. Below are links that may provide a starting point on your journey to understanding with the goal of fostering reconciliation and healing.
- Government of Canada (Commemorative date promotional resources)
- Government of Canada (Begin your learning journey)
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Canada Council for the Arts ({Re} conciliation)
- Thames Valley District School Board (The Truth about Orange Shirt Day – Educational Series)
- Orange Shirt Society
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Our office will re-open Friday, October 1, 2021 at 8:30am
If you have a claims emergency please call 519-666-0075; 1-877-663-0701 or visit Report a Claim on our website.
Thank you.
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