CIP respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. CIP values the ongoing stewardship of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Saturday, September 30, 2023 marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day, we come together to honour the lives of the lost children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as Survivors and their families and communities.

Orange Shirt Day is also observed on September 30. This day was created to promote awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and to create opportunities for meaningful discussion on reconciliation, reaffirming that “Every Child Matters”.

As part of CIP’s strategic priority to ensure More Equitable Planning, Together, we strive to advance efforts toward reconciliation both within and beyond the planning profession and support principles put forth in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s Final Report.

To help planners meet the TRC Calls to Action #57 (for all levels of government and the public sector) and #92 (for private practice and the corporate sector), CIP will begin offering the Indigenous cultural awareness program “The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada” to our members and others in the planning field beginning on October 2. This online course was created by NVision, a majority Indigenous-owned consulting company dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities.

We are pleased to offer The Path at cost in both English and French (launching December 1). The newly updated six-module program will help build awareness of Indigenous history, rights, issues, and culture. It also includes planning-specific content, contributed by CIP. The Path is eligible for Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) units and, upon completion, a digital badge will be offered to all participants who successfully complete the course.

For more information on the ways CIP is continuing our own reconciliation journey, please visit our latest blog, Reconciliation: Why Planners are Essential on this Journey, written as part of a series on our Strategic Plan—1,835 Days of Impact. You may also consult our policy on Planning Practice and Reconciliation. 

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CIP staff will take Friday, October 6 to complete The Path as a part of our own commitment to reconciliation. The CIP Board of Directors will also complete The Path training.

In advance of this important day of reflection, CIP has compiled a list of resources where you can learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island and the continued need for truth and reconciliation.

Resources

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Truth and Reconciliation in Canada

For additional resources on Indigenous planning and reconciliation, please consult CIP’s National Indigenous History Month blog post.

Supports for Survivors

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program

The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419.

Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is a provincial organization based in British Columbia that provides essential services to residential school survivors and families experiencing intergenerational trauma.

The IRSSS offers the Lamathut Crisis Line, a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia and beyond. Lamathut Crisis Line can be accessed by calling 1-800-721-0066.