Nurses mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025
We need to understand the truth
Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation— a time to honour the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and never returned home, and to acknowledge the ongoing discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential schools. Originally observed as Orange Shirt Day, people across Canada wear orange to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families and Indigenous communities. The shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom and self-esteem that Indigenous children and families experienced.
This day calls on all of us to confront the colonial history and legacy of Canada’s residential school system and its lasting impact on Indigenous communities. It is also a reminder to recommit building respectful, rights-based relationships with Indigenous Peoples, grounded in truth, partnership, and meaningful collaboration.
We continue to commit to reconciliation
As nurses and health-care professionals, we have a vital role in supporting healing and reconciliation. Nurses must continue to urge all levels of government to take immediate action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, with particular attention to Calls 18 to 24, which address Indigenous health. These actions are essential to addressing the trauma, grief and cultural genocide caused by the residential school system and to advancing health equity for Indigenous families and survivors.
RNAO acknowledges the blatant atrocities faced by Indigenous Peoples during global colonization, which introduced systemic racism, discrimination and inequities that continue to affect their lives today. In 2019, RNAO launched the Indigenous Health Program in partnership with provincial and national Indigenous teams and organizations. RNAO also published its first best practice guideline (BPG) with and for Indigenous communities titled Promoting Smoking Reduction and Cessation with Indigenous Peoples of Reproductive Age and their Communities.
RNAO remains steadfast in its commitment to developing Indigenous-focused BPGs in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Together with Indigenous partners, RNAO is currently developing a BPG on Promoting Life and Prevention of Indigenous Youth Suicide, co-chaired by Greta Meekis and Dr. Holly Graham. The guideline will identify effective approaches to promote life and wellness among Indigenous youth across communities. Publication of the guideline is anticipated in 2026.
RNAO is also proud to lead a newly established working group on Indigenous guidelines within the Guidelines International Network, under the leadership of Dr. Holly Graham. This international initiative brings together Indigenous researchers, Knowledge Keepers, and guideline developers from across the world to advance culturally safe, equity-focused guideline methodologies. The working group will foster collaboration, promote integration of Indigenous and western knowledge systems, and produce resources such as toolkits and webinars to strengthen the development of Indigenous-focused guidelines globally.
At its home office, RNAO is developing four collaborative working spaces – Indigenous health, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, Black health, and Leading Change. These spaces are designed to inspire reflection, creativity and meaningful engagement. They serve as both visual and functional representations of RNAO’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, encouraging users to think, feel, act and deepen their understanding of the communities each space honours. The design process was guided by consultations with the association’s board of directors, assembly of leaders, Health Equity Consortium, and staff from each community. All artwork, furniture and design elements were sourced from within the respective communities.
This summer, RNAO reached out to its Best Practice Spotlight Organization® partners in Pikangikum and Sandy Lake First Nation to offer our heartfelt care and support when wildfires forced evacuations and displaced community members. These letters acknowledged the strength, ancestral environmental knowledge and unity of those affected, and reaffirmed RNAO’s unwavering commitment to walk alongside Indigenous communities on the path to recovery with dignity, respect and compassion.
RNAO stands with Indigenous leaders who have expressed their opposition to Ontario’s Bill 5 and federal Bill C-5, calling them a betrayal of reconciliation and a threat to rights, lands, and future generations. The association has called on Premier Doug Ford to withdraw Bill 5, and has called out Prime Minister Mark Carney for Bill C-5’s bypassing of environmental assessments and safeguards for “projects of national interest”. Our political leaders must protect the rights of those living here now and preserve the land for future generations.
RNAO also acknowledges the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, former senator and Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, whose leadership and advocacy have left an enduring legacy in the pursuit of justice and healing for Indigenous Peoples.
Together, we can build a more just and equitable future
RNAO’s commitment to supporting and working alongside Indigenous communities is reflected in its Indigenous Health and RNAO In Focus web page. These resources highlight ongoing efforts to advance health equity and reconciliation through meaningful partnerships and advocacy.
As we mark this important day, RNAO calls on all Canadians to reflect, learn and engage in the journey toward truth and reconciliation. RNAO also encourages everyone to wear orange to honour survivors and acknowledge the enduring strength and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples.
Together, we can build a more just and equitable future.
