The CASWE-ACFTS virutal office will be closed on September 30th in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day invites us to reflect on our collective responsibility to decolonize our practices, create space for healing and mourning, and foster a deeper commitment to reconciliation through listening to truth. This is not just a statutory holiday—it is a day to honor the children who never returned home, the survivors of the Indian Residential School system, and the families and communities who carry this trauma daily. CASWE-ACFTS is committed to recognizing the importance of this day, not only on September 30th but throughout the year.We hope this pause provides an opportunity for everyone to engage in personal reflection within their communities, families, and daily lives.”Every Child Matters” is more than a slogan; it is a call to remember the lives lost and the lasting impact on survivors and their families. This day invites us to pause, reflect on injustices, confront difficult truths, and begin to unlearn harmful narratives as part of the healing process.It is important that we listen to Indigenous Peoples as they define truth and reconciliation on their own terms. As professionals, this day is also an opportunity to reflect on our roles and renew our Commitment to Change.We encourage our members in schools across the country to view this day as a chance to inquire about and participate in reconciliation-related events and initiatives, both on this day and throughout the year. Social workers understand the importance of relationships and connection as drivers of change. Let us use September 30th as a moment for thoughtful conversations, reflection, and learning in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation.To support this effort, we invite you to explore the critical reflection questions for social workers, educators, and students, along with suggested events and resources provided by our Commitment to Change Working Group.

We invite you all to wear Orange

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, both held on September 30th, hold profound significance. These days not only symbolize remembrance but also honor stories like that of Phyllis Webstad (née Jack).At six years old, Phyllis wore a new orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, on her first day at an Indian Residential School. Upon arrival, her shirt was taken, along with her dignity and connection to home. The shirt was never returned, symbolizing the injustices endured by many Indigenous children. Phyllis’s story, shared by many Residential School Survivors, led to the creation of Orange Shirt Day as a day of reflection.To honor Orange Shirt Day, CASWE-ACFTS encourages all members to wear orange. This simple act represents solidarity with those who were silenced and with the survivors who still carry the weight of trauma. Let us wear orange as a symbol of our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and justice.

Links/Resources/Events: 
**Please note that some of the links and events below may only be available in French.**

Join and support local events and initiatives with Indigenous organizations and communities, such as: 

• The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal – Every Child Matters March on Monday September 30^th: https://www.nwsm.info/events/2024/9/30/every-child-matters-march  
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society with the Assembly of Seven Generations and Beechwood Cemetary day of activities on September 30^th in Ottawa and ongoing initiatives: https://fncaringsociety.com/orange-shirt-day  

Join and support your social work departments, Indigenous Centres or university-wide events and initiatives, such as: 

• University of Toronto: The Orange Shirt Day Commemoration Event on Monday September 30^th: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/event/2024-orange-shirt-day-and-national-day-for-truth-reconciliation-commemoration/  
• University of British Columbia: Various events and resources: https://hr.ubc.ca/working-ubc/news/september-4-2024/orange-shirt-day-pin-giveaway-national-day-truth-and  
• University of Calgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement with Calgary Public Libraries events on September 29^th and 30^th: https://www.ucalgary.ca/indigenous/orange-shirt-day  

Find and engage with resources to advance education and action around Indian Residential Schools, as well as decolonizing social work education and transforming colonial realities: 

• Orange Shirt Society resources for advocacy, education, planning and participation: https://orangeshirtday.org/ 
• Legacy of Hope Foundation’s resources, including videos, workshop guides, reports and exhibits: https://legacyofhope.ca/resources/ 
• Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (University of British Columbia), Teaching and Learning Resources: https://irshdc.ubc.ca/learn/orange-shirt-day-resources/ 
• Wilfred Laurier University’s Centre for Indigegogy: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-social-work/centre-for-indigegogy/index.html