The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place on September 30 every year and represents a day of significance for Indigenous communities and all people living in Canada.

United Way Centraide views reconciliation as an opportunity to honour Indigenous Peoples across this land and elevate our commitment to them. As we work towards reconciliation, we are continuously listening, learning, and unlearning; reflecting on the relationship we have with Indigenous Peoples; collaborating with Indigenous communities and organizations whose objectives or work intersects with ours; and embracing Indigenous leadership, voices, and participation in all aspects of our organization and the United Way Centraide network.

On our journey towards truth and reconciliation, we are building ways of working, ways of knowing, and ways of being that consider Indigenous perspectives in our network’s development. We aim to provide services and programs tailored to the needs of Indigenous communities. For example, 211 offers navigational supports in 17 languages. 211 Saskatchewan offers culturally specific services and access to resources for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people; 211 Ontario offers a wide range of programs and services focusing on the needs of individuals in the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including counselling, health, legal, educational, and crisis services. United Way Calgary and Area is creating positive spaces for Indigenous peoples around the world with their Planet Youth model. United Way Winnipeg supports the Huddle initiative, a safe space for Indigenous youth aged 12 to 29 that offers free, trauma-informed, and culturally safe health services in a youth-friendly atmosphere.

As a national network of community impact leaders, we know this work takes time, effort, and commitment. We understand that this work is a journey that requires us to listen, learn, and unlearn. A journey that will require uncomfortable conversations. But nonetheless, a journey that is crucial to ensuring a more equitable future for all Indigenous Peoples and a journey we are fully committed to pursuing.

To learn more about the icons chosen this year, click here