Truth and Reconciliation Reflection
As Truth and Reconciliation Day approached, it reflected on the importance of awareness of the
reasoning of how this has all started. Growing up as a Chinese Canadian in a country that prides itself on
multiculturism and progressive values, Canada always prides itself on its equality and fairness. However,
recent years have forced us to the painful reality: Canada has just acknowledged the decades of
mistreatment against the Indigenous communities. In the last couple of years, Canada has slowly
acknowledged the systematic inequalities, and this has transitioned to Canadian society as the
government, businesses, non-profits, and individuals are now contributing to reconciliation efforts.
In a 2022 article, “How Brands Can Support Indigenous Communities on Social – the Right Way,”
Lynne Groulx emphasizes the importance of truth and reconciliation as a means not only to support
Indigenous communities but also to foster conscious support and respect for their perspectives. This is
shedding light on the influence of organizations, local communities, and individuals, prompting them to
acknowledge their role in addressing historical injustices. Beyond this recognition, it is a way to honor
the survivors of residential schools and the victims of colonialism in Canada. It is a chance to fulfill
promises that have been historically overlooked and to create a brighter future, free from historical
trauma for Indigenous people (Groulx, 2022).
In recent years, many brands and businesses have stepped up to support these communities. For
instance, Walmart collaborated with a local Indigenous artist to design orange shirts for the Every Child
Matters organization. These shirts serve as a symbol to honour the victims, survivors, and affected
families of residential schools. Importantly, 100% of the proceeds from these shirts were donated to the
Orange Shirt Society, furthering their crucial work in raising awareness. Reading about these initiatives
has shifted my perspective on corporate support as I thought that larger corporations would only care as
it would only be a public relation benefit, but these are great steps towards a direction that many
companies should emulate.
As Truth and Reconciliation Day approached, it reflected on the importance of awareness of the
reasoning of how this has all started. Growing up as a Chinese Canadian in a country that prides itself on
multiculturism and progressive values, Canada always prides itself on its equality and fairness. However,
recent years have forced us to the painful reality: Canada has just acknowledged the decades of
mistreatment against the Indigenous communities. In the last couple of years, Canada has slowly
acknowledged the systematic inequalities, and this has transitioned to Canadian society as the
government, businesses, non-profits, and individuals are now contributing to reconciliation efforts.
In a 2022 article, “How Brands Can Support Indigenous Communities on Social – the Right Way,”
Lynne Groulx emphasizes the importance of truth and reconciliation as a means not only to support
Indigenous communities but also to foster conscious support and respect for their perspectives. This is
shedding light on the influence of organizations, local communities, and individuals, prompting them to
acknowledge their role in addressing historical injustices. Beyond this recognition, it is a way to honor
the survivors of residential schools and the victims of colonialism in Canada. It is a chance to fulfill
promises that have been historically overlooked and to create a brighter future, free from historical
trauma for Indigenous people (Groulx, 2022).
In recent years, many brands and businesses have stepped up to support these communities. For
instance, Walmart collaborated with a local Indigenous artist to design orange shirts for the Every Child
Matters organization. These shirts serve as a symbol to honour the victims, survivors, and affected
families of residential schools. Importantly, 100% of the proceeds from these shirts were donated to the
Orange Shirt Society, furthering their crucial work in raising awareness. Reading about these initiatives
has shifted my perspective on corporate support as I thought that larger corporations would only care as
it would only be a public relation benefit, but these are great steps towards a direction that many
companies should emulate.
