Resolving to work on reconciliation – Directors’ statement for September 30

Press Release

It has already been 10 years since the 94 Calls to Action from the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) were released in 2015.

“The TRC’s mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. This included First Nations, Inuit and Métis former residential school students, their families, communities, the churches, former school employees, government officials and other Canadians.

September 30, Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is a day to remember and pay tribute to the children who were forcibly taken from their families and sent to residential schools.

It is also a day of solidarity with the families and communities deeply impacted by historical and ongoing colonial systems in Canada, which as we have heard over the course of the latest National Gathering for Indigenous Steelworkers, still bear much weight in 2025.

The USW has developed resources for supporting Indigenous members of the union and for becoming stronger allies.

Most recently, the union released its Indigenous engagement guide – Building Trust, Becoming Allies. The guide draws on the experience of USW local unions with successful histories of engaging with Indigenous members and with neighbouring Indigenous nations and communities.

To mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, make a commitment to learn more about past injustices and do more towards reconciliation.

• Download and share USW resources and ideas that trade unionists can engage in to take on meaningful work around equity for Indigenous people: usw.ca/equity-for-indigenous-people.
• Attend events to mark September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Wear an orange shirt on September 30, Orange Shirt Day.
• Read and share the Canadian Labour Congress statement and resources for September 30: Progress on trade in Canada must reflect a commitment to Indigenous rights
• Make an individual or union donation to a local Indigenous-led organization working on Truth and Reconciliation.
• Learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its 94 Calls to Action.

What are you and your USW local doing to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
USW National Director

Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director (Western Canada and the Territories)

Nicolas Lapierre
USW District 5 Director (Quebec)

Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada)

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