September 30th was recently designated as a federal statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The legislation to enact this day was passed with a commitment from the Government of Canada to reconciliation and ensuring that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.
While not a holiday in all Provinces and Territories, the Sport Tourism Canada team will observe this day, and our staff and consultants will take time for reflection or to participate in events of commemoration. We also rescheduled our monthly Board of Directors meeting, which would have taken place on the 30th to the 29th.
It is our hope that as we recognize the importance of the day, we will also consider what and how we can do better as it relates to Indigenous communities in sport tourism.
We hope that you will also have time to pause and reflect in your own way as we observe this first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.