Each year, September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, a day for people across the country to reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the opportunity to remind ourselves of our history, but also to take action to honour survivors, their families and communities, and to continue to walk the path of Reconciliation.
Over the past years, our association has developed a number of resources for members of the legal community to support our reconciliation journey. Programs like The Path aim to increase cultural awareness and understanding of the history of Indigenous peoples. Our Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit can be used by law firms to become better allies to Indigenous clients, engage with Indigenous advisors, and consider ways to recruit and retain Indigenous talent.
But there is still much work to be done. While Canadians from all walks of life have heard the call for Reconciliation and are taking steps on this journey, we must accelerate our efforts. This includes deepening our understanding of the history, languages, cultures and legal traditions of Indigenous peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial.
The Canadian Bar Association remains committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Actions and to cultivating an equitable, diverse and inclusive professional community.