09/29/2026
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is tomorrow!๐งก
Synergy Enterprises is based on the traditional, unceded territories of the Lษkฬสทษลษn speaking peoples of the Songhees Nation, Xสทsepsษm Nation, and WฬฑSรNEฤ peoples, whose stewardship of this land continues to this day. As a sustainability consultancy, we know environmental stewardship and Indigenous rights are deeply connected, and today reminds us to keep building genuine relationships with the Nations whose lands we work on.
September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, a day established in 2021 in direct response to Call to Action #80 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and communities, and to keep public commemoration of that history and its ongoing legacy at the centre of reconciliation work. This is a time for reflection, education, and action.
Here are some ways to contribute this year:
๐ Education
Learn the history of Orange Shirt Day and its founder, Phyllis Webstad: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Explore the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation's resources and Calls to Action: https://nctr.ca/
Watch films by Indigenous creators through NFB's Indigenous Cinema collection: https://www.nfb.ca/indigenous-cinema/
๐ค Engagement
Wear orange and support the Orange Shirt Society's mission: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/
Support local businesses through the South Island Indigenous Business Directory: https://indigenousbusinessdirectoryvi.com/
Support Indigenous-led land stewardship by learning about Guardian programs and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs): https://www.ilinationhood.ca/guardians
๐
Local Events
September 30 | South Island Powwow, hosted by Songhees Nation at Royal Athletic Park. free admission, everyone is welcome!: https://songheesnation.ca/south-island-powwow
September 30 | Free admission to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in honour of the day: https://aggv.ca/
Looking for an event elsewhere in BC? Check the province-wide listings: https://www.indigenousbc.com/events/
๐ข For Businesses
Invest in staff training through programs like CultureAlly: https://www.cultureally.com/training/indigenous-awareness
Work with an Indigenous consultant or relations specialist; check out the consultancy we work with: https://porttrisgroup.com/
Build genuine, ongoing relationships with the Nations whose territory you operate on, and look for ways to collaborate, procure services, and create economic opportunities together.
Let today be a reminder to keep showing up and supporting your local Indigenous groups!
