September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to pause and reflect on the enduring impacts of residential schools and honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities. We remember the children who never returned home and stand in solidarity with those who continue to carry the weight of that loss. As highlighted in a recent message from the Office of the Chief of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, there is still important work to be done to acknowledge the full truth of the residential school system and its lasting impacts, reminding us that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility.
As members of ASPA, living and working across Saskatchewan, including on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories and the Homeland of the Métis, we have a shared responsibility to listen with open hearts, learn from the past, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation with humility, respect, and compassion.
A few of our members are taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation through professional development and learning opportunities. In 2026, five ASPA members attended “A Path to Reconciliation” course, while three members participated in “Reconciliation in Action” course in 2025 at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)/Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) Spring School in Moose Jaw, SK. We invite you to hear about their experiences through our Professional Development Testimonials and encourage all members to consider participating in the next CLC/SFL Spring School and other similar opportunities.
Let September 30 be more than just another day off. We encourage you to take time to listen, learn, reflect, and participate in events and activities across Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories. Consider attending events at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, joining Indigenous journalist Betty Ann Adam’s keynote, The Real Life Story Behind Meadowlarks, at the Regina Public Library, or taking part in ceremonies and traditional teachings at the Cultural and Ceremonial Grounds at Little Red River Park in Prince Albert, hosted by the Prince Albert Indian & Métis Friendship Centre.
You can also deepen your learning by picking up a book about Truth and Reconciliation, exploring the University Library’s I-Portal: Indigenous Studies Portal, or visiting the Government of Canada’s Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation webpage to learn more about Indigenous Peoples, cultures, history, indigenization, and decolonization.
…And, of course, remember to wear orange as a symbol of remembrance, respect, and solidarity.
Action for Workers
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action provide a roadmap for meaningful change. As workers and union members, we have an important role to play in supporting that work. We encourage members to explore the Calls to Action that relate to workers and unions and consider how we can turn awareness into action and solidarity.
September 30 is recognized as a statutory holiday for federally regulated workers and by many educational institutions in Saskatchewan. However, most workers in this province are still required to work on this day. In 2024, an ASPA member petition calling for September 30 to be recognized as a statutory holiday in Saskatchewan was presented in the Legislative Assembly. ASPA continues to advocate for this recognition, because a day dedicated to truth and reconciliation should create space for people to pause, learn, reflect, and participate.
Reconciliation asks more of us than remembrance. It asks us to listen, to learn, and to act.
In unity and reflection,