Understanding the History of September 30th
We recognize the importance of both National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, as the ongoing impact of residential schools and colonization and the imperative path to Truth & Reconciliation are intertwined on this day.
Residential schools were part of a much broader system of colonization that sought to separate Indigenous children from their families, communities, languages, cultures, and identities. Colonial policies also disrupted Indigenous Peoples' access to their lands and their ability to exercise their relationships, rights, and responsibilities to those lands. For those of us working within conservation and environmental spaces, this history matters.
"Last year on September 30th, I went to the Woodland Cultural Centre where they had finished the restoration of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario, and they were allowing tours of the school. I had never been in a Residential School and didn't know what to expect, and to say it was heavy is an understatement. The impacts were felt deeply.
When you walk in, there is a room to the right with a wall of survivors, some with pictures taken from when they were children, some present day. They were sharing quotes, thoughts that they had while attending, and memories, but what struck me and what I will never forget is seeing is the last names of survivors from families that I work with today.
My work within the Carolinian Zone spans 10 First Nations, and here in this room, here they all were... names, members, families from every single nation that I have present day relationships with, that I work closely with, that I care deeply for. Here they were, laid out in this room. My own nation among them... they came here, to this horrible place.
We can no longer act complicit. We can no longer say we don't understand the dark legacy, because it’s there. It’s written on the walls."
–Sam Whiteye, Indigenous Leadership Director, Carolinian Canada
Recognizing Ongoing Impacts
The lands and waters within what we know today as the Carolinian Zone have been cared for by Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial, yet colonial systems dispossessed Indigenous Peoples from these lands and waters, disrupted Indigenous governance and land-based practices, and excluded Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge from many of the institutions and systems that later came to make decisions about those same lands. The impacts of that history have not disappeared.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action have not been met – even though over ten years have passed since they were released. According to the Yellowhead Institute in 2023, just 13 Calls had been completed, out of a total of 94. At this pace, the TRC Calls to Action will not be completed until the year 2065.
Our Collective Responsibility and Calls to Action
As the Carolinian Canada Coalition, we aim to collaborate with our network to heal the landscape known as the Carolinian Zone. It is imperative that we support initiatives that work in the spirit and practice of Truth and Reconciliation and promote Indigenous leadership and perspectives in all that we do.
Reconciliation in the conservation sector requires more than acknowledgement. It asks us to examine who has access to environmental education and careers, whose knowledge is valued, who participates in decision-making, who has the resources and capacity to lead, and how organizations build relationships with Indigenous Peoples and Nations. It also asks each of us to consider what role we can play.
On this year’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we call on non-Indigenous people and organizations in our network to use these 5 steps as a guide to take action.
SHOW UP: Make plans to attend Indigenous-led community events, today and beyond.
SUPPORT: Support Indigenous-owned and -led businesses, groups, and initiatives.
RESPECT: Learn the history of the land so you can work from a place of respect for traditional territories and treaty obligations.
CONNECT: Explore resources curated to help you listen to Indigenous voices, connect with Indigenous-led news sources, and take action.
DONATE: Support Indigenous youth in land stewardship learning and skills-building through Carolinian Canada’s Indigenous Leadership Pillar Student Bursary and make an ongoing practice of gifting time and money to Indigenous communities, organizations, and individuals.
While today is a day that can promote good work in Truth and Reconciliation, it can also be a painful reminder of how little progress we have made in the struggle against colonization and can put a lot of demands on Indigenous folks who are often expected to attend, speak at, and host events.
As a network, let’s be mindful of today’s complex impacts on Indigenous communities and re-commit to always showing active support, understanding, and reciprocity in all we do.
Carolinian Canada celebrates Indigenous leadership, honours the diverse histories and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, and continually recommits our organization to these principles. Visit our living collection of resources to help you take action today and beyond: caroliniancanada.ca/orange