City to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as statutory holiday

The City of Saskatoon will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday on September 30, following unanimous approval of City Council at its meeting held last night, August 30.

“It is important that we show leadership in this area, to honour what we’ve heard from Survivors in our community about the impact of Indian Residential Schools,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “Elders, Survivors and members of the Indigenous Community have been reaching out to non-Indigenous members about building a better future together, based on truth and reconciliation. By marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are recognizing how important this is in continuing our journey forward.” 

The Government of Canada passed legislation in June to make September 30 a federal statutory holiday for federally regulated workers in the public and private sector. Following Council approval, starting September 30, 2021, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will become a designated paid holiday for all City employees to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.

The federal government created this federal statutory holiday in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action number 80: to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

Unmarked graves at residential schools in Saskatchewan and across the country have raised awareness about the “truth” of residential schools. It is more important than ever to ensure that education and awareness continues and the honouring of residential school survivors and the children who did not make it home is done appropriately.

The City of Saskatoon continues to champion and implement the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action by working with community partners to ensure the City contributes to the collective movement. To support efforts to elevate the significance of September 30, the City is working with Reconciliation Saskatoon and other Indigenous organizations to develop messaging and tools to encourage people to take on their own Calls to Action, take up an initiative at their workplaces, encourage the community to read the Calls to Action and find out on how to get involved.

Also known as Orange Shirt Day, wearing orange on September 30 will continue to be a way to honour Indian Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who didn’t make it home. It’s a way to acknowledge the legacy of Indian Residential Schools, demonstrate a commitment to reconciliation, and affirm Every Child Matters.

For more information on activities and initiatives to support reconciliation and see civic services and holiday hours on September 30, visit saskatoon.ca.