Blog

Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 thumbnail

September 30th, 2025

Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025

Dear EAFWR Community,

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we pause to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples across this land. September 30th is a day to honour the children who never returned home, the survivors, their families, and their communities. It’s also a day for all of us to deepen our understanding of the generational harm caused, and to reaffirm our commitment to meaningful action.

At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we recognize that reconciliation isn’t a one-day event or a box to check—it is an ongoing journey. We approach this with humility, knowing there is much we must learn and do. As part of this journey:

  • We continue incorporating Indigenous practices and voices into our events, creating spaces for learning and respect.
  • We offer September 30th as a paid holiday for our staff to reflect, participate in community events, and further their understanding.
  • We have created a Truth and Reconciliation Commitment and revised our Land Acknowledgment to be a Territorial Acknowledgment. This was reviewed by Indigenous community partners.
  • We share our office space with Indigenous community members to support sharing circles and learning opportunities. We share our space to host a drumming circle and, in the spring, we hosted an IndiQueer lunch and learn with Amy Smoke, Co-Founder of O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp WR.
  • We remain committed to broadening our knowledge about local Indigenous history and practices and actively seek to build authentic relationships with grassroots organizations and Indigenous leaders.

We know these actions alone are not enough, but they are steps toward living the values of truth and reconciliation every day. I invite you to join us in reflecting on the history and enduring strength of Indigenous communities. For more information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, you can visit this resource.

If you would like to participate in events happening across Waterloo Region and surrounding areas to mark the day, you can find details below and, on our Events Calendar:

Together, let’s continue to listen, learn, and act—working toward a future built on respect, understanding, and real partnership.

In solidarity,

 

 

 

Allan Mills
Executive Director
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 thumbnail
About the Author

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

More posts by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region