September 30th, 2026
Reflecting on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026
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.
- Our Truth and Reconciliation Commitment continues to guide our work, and our Territorial Acknowledgement is regularly incorporated into meetings, events, and organizational activities.
- 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 attended and raised funds for Crow Shield Lodge’s Feed the Fire 2026 event, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives while strengthening relationships and demonstrating our commitment to reconciliation through community action.
- Through our participation in the REAL Xchange EDI Working Group, EAFWR collaborated with Community Living Six Nations to present Building Trust, Improving Access, and Decolonizing Collaboration at the 2026 Inclusion Symposium, sharing strategies for building trust and advancing inclusive, equitable partnerships.
- The relationship developed with Community Living Six Nations led to a Day of Friendship, which brought together participants from EAFWR, along with KW Habilitation and Parents for Community Living. This day was an opportunity to learn about Six Nations traditions, share a meal, participate in community-led activities, and build meaningful connections.
- EAFWR staff participated in a virtual tour of a former Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School, gaining a deeper understanding of the impacts of the residential school system and the importance of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.
We know these actions alone are not enough. 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 and engage in learning to mark the day, you can find details below:
📚 Resources:
- National Day of Truth and Reconciliation | Government of Canada
- NCTR – National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Policy Matters the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
- Significance of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
- First Nations/Indigenous – The Real Xchange
- Indigenous Stories | CBC Gem
- Indigenous Canada | Coursera
- The Witness Blanket
🎟️ Events:
- Truth and Reconciliation Remember Me Walk | The Healing of the Seven Generations
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at University of Waterloo | Sept 30
- Sacred Fire: Honouring Survivors and their Loved Ones | Sept 30
- National Day for Truth And Reconciliation at Woodland Cultural Centre | Sept 30 (Brantford)
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
