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This day responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call-to-Action #80—a call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.
How is Bench honoring the day in 2021?
At Bench, the recognition of our responsibility to participate in reconciliation and the work of our own decolonization has led us to engage in a partnership with First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)—that they might serve as our guides and accountability partners in developing integrated and sustained approaches to this critical work. Part of this work has been to thoughtfully consider how Bench might best observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation moving forward, regardless of whether it is recognized provincially in BC.
This year, we have opted alongside other FNTC partner companies not to take the day off. We’ve set aside time as a company to hold one another accountable to learning, reflecting, considering our corporate and individual responses, and readying ourselves for the changes we hope to adopt in our work with FNTC. This may change in the future as we continue to listen and look to our Indigenous partners and elders for guidance. Wherever you are on your own journeys, we’re glad you’re on it with us.
Looking for resources to serve as a starting place? Here are some starting places for folks here at Bench.
