As we head into fall, we are approaching a national holiday on the calendar that has a very different purpose than other holidays we observe.
September 30 marks the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the ninth annual Orange Shirt Day. This day calls on Canadians to learn about — and reflect upon —the long legacy of racism, discrimination and trauma resulting from the residential school system.
Spending the day intentionally: Coast Capital leaders share their commitments.
Members of Coast Capital’s Senior Leadership Team share their intentions for the day with the hope that it offers inspiration and some idea starters on how to build meaning and purpose into your September 30.
”My family and I will be holding space for conversations centered on the importance and necessity of the day,” says Mauro Manzi, Coast Capital’s Chief Commercial, Retail & Wealth Officer. “This means that we will each be turning off our devices, resisting the urge to plan social activities with friends and family and, likely, attending a community event in our area. I will also be doing my own learning through beginning my 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Training modules, an e-learning course from First Nations University that is available to all Coast Capital employees.”
Ania Cox, Coast Capital’s Chief People Officer plans to use the day to build more awareness and understanding about the Indigenous experience in Canada for her kids. “I have younger children, so I am leaning into this amazing resource, from Project Learning Tree Canada, that offers age-appropriate resources to engage school-aged kids in learning about the history of Indigenous people, the sordid history of colonization and, of course, the devastating legacy of the residential school system. Our community is also hosting an event screening three documentaries centered on topics of reconciliation, which we will be attending.”
“At work,” Maureen continues. “I am reflecting on the work that the Coast Capital Social Purpose Team continues to do in the spirit of and commitment toward reconciliation. Most recently, we have worked alongside the James Smith Cree Nation to understand how to best support them in the aftermath of the devastating tragedy that took place on their reservation in early September.
Through thoughtful consultation, Coast Capital has made a $10,000 contribution to the community’s Health Clinic in support of the ongoing need within their community for crisis and grief counselling services. It is a seemingly small step, and, if we continue to take those steps, eventually we will be further ahead of where we are now and that is, in fact, the only way to a future of hope.”
Coming together in meaningful and collective action.
It is important to recognize that September 30 isn’t intended to solve this immensely complicated social issue, but instead, underline the importance of and propel collective action toward reconciliation. The road is long, but with intention, we can take the meaningful steps forward together each day.
