On September 30th, Halton Children's Aid Society joins communities across Canada in recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
This day calls on us to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors, their families and communities, and the generations who continue to live with the impacts today.
As a child welfare organization, we have an important responsibility to continue learning and to fully understanding the truths of the child welfare sector's history and the ongoing experiences of Indigenous Peoples.
Reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement. It requires us to listen, learn, build meaningful relationships, and continually examine our own practices. We remain committed to strengthening relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Communities, supporting ongoing learning for our staff, and to respecting the rights, cultures, identities and connections of Indigenous children, youth and families.
Over the past week, we had the opportunity to come together for two important gatherings. On September 22, staff participated in two learning sessions, and on September 29, we gathered and honoured Truth and Reconciliation Day by focusing on learning, reflection, and reconciliation.
We recognize that trust is built through our actions over time. Today, and throughout the year, Halton CAS remains committed to listening, learning and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation.