Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
On March 9, 2023, the Province of British Columbia passed legislation to make September 30 a statutory holiday.
Enshrining National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in B.C. law gives more people the chance to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system on September 30 each year. This was done by creating a new Act called The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act.
How BCACC is taking action to support Truth and Reconciliation
As the leading association of Clinical Counsellors and Psychotherapists in British Columbia with a membership of more than 7500 people, we have a responsibility to rise to the calls to action within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
Here’s how BCACC is taking action:
- BCACC has developed an Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility & Anti-Racism Standard that comes into effect on November 1, 2023. This Standard has been adapted with permission from the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM) and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC), who collaboratively developed the Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti-Racism Practice Standard (January 2022). We gratefully and humbly acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous people and guidance from Indigenous leaders during the consultation process which informed the development of the BCCNM and CPSBC Standard.
- In 2023, BCACC released its Entry to Practice Competencies (ETPC), which include an Indigenous Peoples-specific focus, and identification of competencies specific to Indigenous cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racism in BC’s health care system. The ETPC comes into effect on November 1, 2023. Applicants who apply for membership to the BCACC on or after November 1, 2023, will be required to have completed Indigenous cultural safety and humility training and provide evidence of meeting all of the eligibility requirements for their application to move forward. Learn more here: https://bcacc.ca/entry-to-practice-competency/.
- BCACC has created workshops for Clinical Counsellors and allied health professionals to enhance their ability to provide cultural safety for Indigenous Peoples. Courses include Mobilizing Cultural Safety and Humility in Professional Practice taught by Len Pierre, Educator and Indigenous Cultural Safety Coordinator and Working with Cultural Diversity in the Therapeutic Setting taught by Dr. Myrna Lashley, McGill University. Access the courses here: https://bcacc.ca/econnect/.
- BCACC introduced the Joan Campbell Award in 2021 to increase Indigenous and other under-represented groups amongst our membership.
- BCACC has engaged with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) to increase the number of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) providing services to FNHA as there is a lack of available providers.
Actions you can take on September 30th
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ 94 Calls to Action and look for ways to contribute to the work in your personal and professional life.
- Take the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course, which explores different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. It’s offered online at no cost here: https://www.ualberta.ca/admissions-programs/online-courses/indigenous-canada/index.html.
- Talk to the young people in your life by sharing this kid-friendly version of the Calls to Action, created by the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada.
- Watch an Indigenous-themed film. Stream 12 on CBC Gem here.
- Get curious about your own community. Did you live near a Residential School?, Interactive map, CBC
- Purchase an orange shirt through Indigenous-owned organizations and designers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events
- Indigenous Tourism BC has a robust list of events taking place throughout communities in the province. Find one in your area here.
- The Province of BC has shared event listings here.
