National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Union honours Elder June Shackley for her years of service and dedication
Sept. 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day of reflection and learning is an occasion for BCNU members to confront the devastating legacy of the residential school system, honour the survivors and their families, and remember the children who never returned home.
The union encourages members to embrace the 10 Principles of Truth and Reconciliation and understand that together we all share the responsibility for establishing and maintaining mutually respectful relationships.
On Sept. 30 and every day, BCNU renews its commitment to truth and reconciliation. This work is informed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), which is acknowledged in the Nurses’ Bargaining Association provincial collective agreement. The union reaffirms its commitment to advancing reconciliation and our allyship by recognizing the historic and ongoing oppression of Indigenous Peoples and the significant work that remains in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) 94 Calls to Action to address inequities, ensure cultural safety and increase Indigenous representation in the health workforce.
BCNU also recognizes the limited progress made on Calls to Action 18–24, which challenge governments, health authorities and medical and nursing schools to acknowledge colonial harms, close health gaps, integrate Indigenous approaches to healing and transform health-care systems. The union encourages members to review the Yellowhead Institute’s 2026 Braiding Accountability report, which calls for Indigenous-led accountability frameworks and the full implementation of UNDRIP obligations. The report emphasizes the need for health employers to move beyond performative reconciliation and achieve a just and transformative change.
Honouring Elder June Shackley
This year BCNU is honoured to recognize the service of Elder June Shackley of the Nlaka’pamux Nation. Elder June is a residential school survivor who worked for 30 years as a registered nurse. She was instrumental in helping establish the BCNU’s Truth and Reconciliation committee and for many years supported the Indigenous Leadership Circle by offering mentorship, advice, traditional knowledge and cultural support to caucus members. Elder June’s presence at countless BCNU events provided members with meaningful opportunities for connection, guidance and support, where she shared Indigenous ways of knowing and being that brought members together in a culturally safe way. The union expresses its deep respect and gratitude to Elder June for her contribution to the organization and wishes her well as she continues to dedicate herself to improving the health of First Nations people.
Attend Student Nurse Webinar
On Sept. 29 BCNU is hosting a student nurse webinar Truth and Reconciliation, Cultural Safety and Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism. Register to learn how these commitments are now reflected in collective agreement language and find out about union initiatives that help strengthen a sense of belonging and foster solidarity among members.
Wear an Orange Shirt at a Community Truth and Reconciliation Event
On Sept. 30, members are encouraged to wear an orange shirt and attend a Truth and Reconciliation Day event in their community. Many First Nations and off-reserve organizations hold public events that will be posted on local websites or in print media. Shirts can be purchased from several Indigenous-owned and operated clothing companies and social enterprises in Canada. Visit orangeshirtday.org for a list or authorized retailers.
Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2026
Watch or listen to this commemorative gathering on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at 9 a.m. PT on Monday, Sept. 30. It will be broadcast live on APTN, CBC and other partnering Canadian broadcasters and is an opportunity to honour residential school Survivors and pay tribute to the children who never made it home. Learn more about how to watch or listen to this live, 90-minute, multilingual special event.
Learning Resources
BCCNM Practice Standard Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti-Racism
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports
Orange Shirt Society
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation offers all of us, as treaty peoples, an opportunity to reimagine the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and to redress ongoing colonial harms. The day was initially known as Orange Shirt Day, established in 2013 by Phyllis Jack Webstad as a memorial to the children forced to attend residential schools. It raised awareness of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children by retelling the story of the teacher who removed Phyllis’ new orange shirt on her first day of school at St. Joseph Mission Residential School near Williams Lake, BC.