A Path to Truth & Reconciliation
At Baby It's Cold Outside, we believe that being a good neighbour means more than lending a cup of sugar or shoveling a sidewalk. It means showing up for one another, especially when it comes to healing the wounds of our shared history. As September 30th approaches, we invite our community to reflect on how everyday kindness and awareness can be part of Canada’s journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.
What Is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and also known as Orange Shirt Day. It honours the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as Survivors and their families. This day was established in response to Call to Action 80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report.
It’s a time to acknowledge the painful legacy of residential schools, listen to Indigenous voices, and commit to meaningful change. Wearing orange is a symbol of solidarity, but real reconciliation goes far deeper.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 Calls to Action: concrete steps for governments, institutions, and individuals to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance reconciliation.
These actions span education, health, justice, language, and culture. But they also include personal responsibility. Reconciliation isn’t just a government mandate…it’s a community movement.
Being a Good Neighbour Supports Reconciliation
Reconciliation starts with relationships. Here’s how we can all be part of the movement:
Listen and Learn: Read Indigenous authors, attend local events, and explore the history of the land you live on.
Acknowledge the Land: Recognize and respect the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples in your community.
Support Indigenous Voices: Share their stories, amplify their work, and advocate for equity.
Practice Kindness: Check in on neighbours, offer help, and build trust. Compassion is the foundation of reconciliation.
Take Action: Review the 94 Calls to Action and choose one you can act on, whether it’s supporting Indigenous education or learning about treaty rights.
At Baby It's Cold Outside, we serve communities with empathy and dignity. We know that reconciliation isn’t a one-day event; it’s a lifelong commitment to justice, healing, and unity. Being a good neighbour means standing up, speaking out, and showing love in action.
This September 30th, let’s do more than wear orange. Let’s walk together toward a future where every child is honoured, every voice is heard, and every neighbour is valued.
