National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In 2021, Canada marked a new federal statutory holiday – the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day recognizes the colonial legacy of residential schools, honours Indigenous survivors, and is a vital step in the continuing process of reconciliation.

In the spirit of marking this important date, we wanted to provide resources to learn more about Truth and Reconciliation, while also amplifying some of the Indigenous voices within our community.

Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.

Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

https://smallbusinessbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SBBC-Website-NDTR-Content-Block-4.webp

Read the Reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools system with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. Educate yourself on their findings.

Learn More

https://smallbusinessbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SBBC-Website-NDTR-Content-Block-7.webp

Discover the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action provide a path for government and Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in British Columbia to create a joint vision of reconciliation.

Learn More

https://smallbusinessbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SBBC-Website-NDTR-Content-Block-2.webp

Learn the History of Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day was the precursor to the Federal National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Discover the history behind this important day.

Learn More

https://smallbusinessbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SBBC-Website-NDTR-Content-Block-6.webp

History of Canada's Residential School System

Residential schools for Indigenous children existed in Canada from the 17th century until the late 1990s. In that time, upwards of 150000 children passed through this system, inflicting a lifetime of trauma on them and destroying Indigenous communities.

Learn More

Spotlight on Indigenous Entrepreneurs

The only way we can preserve Indigenous artists and ensure their work continues is by supporting them.

Born in Prince Rupert, British Columbia; Kari Morgan is Nisga’a from the house of Kw’isk’ayn. She is a Sculptor, Painter, and Designer, whose clear passion for art and mixed media emerged in her early childhood.

Kari Morgan

I want to inspire other Indigenous youth to realize that they can do this too, they can become an Indigenous entrepreneur.

Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus are the sister co-founders of Sisters Sage, an Indigenous brand that hand-crafts wellness and self-care products inspired by their culture and traditions.

Lynn-Marie and Melissa-Rae Angus

I create to celebrate my culture and this process of creation has given me meaning in life

Jaimie Davis is the founder of Jada Creations, an Indigenous jewelry business based in Terrace, BC. Jaimie is a multi-disciplined award-winning artist and solopreneur from Gitx̱san & Nisga’a Nations.

Jaimie Davis

Closure Notice

Small Business BC will be closed in observance of this national holiday on Monday, October 2, re-opening on October 3 in-person and over the phone.