What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed each year on September 30, honours children who did not return from residential schools, the Survivors of those schools, and their families and communities. The federal statutory day is a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80 and is meant to encourage public commemoration and learning. For official government resources and guidance on commemorations and supports, see the Government of Canada’s page on the day.

Why it Matters to Immigration Lawyers

As immigration lawyers, we work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Respecting Indigenous identity, history, and the ongoing impacts of colonial policies is important in legal practice. IRCC and other federal bodies have taken steps to address harms and accommodate Indigenous Peoples in immigration and identity documents, for example, on reclaiming traditional names and other policy changes.

How Zohil-Morton Law Marks the Day

• We encourage our team to attend local commemorative events and educational sessions.
• We review our client intake and record-keeping practices to ensure cultural respect and sensitivity.
• We prioritise accessibility and culturally safe communication with Indigenous clients and communities.

Practical Actions for Lawyers and Employers

Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is more than a single day of recognition. Practical actions include:

1. Learning: take Indigenous-led educational resources and training.
2. Listening: centre Indigenous voices when creating policies that will affect communities.
3. Adapting: update internal processes (for example, names on legal documents) to reflect Indigenous traditions and choices.

Resources and Supports

If the history of residential schools is affecting you or someone you know, crisis supports exist. The Government of Canada lists mental health and crisis referral lines for survivors and families. Find official supports and resources.

Intersection with Immigration Law

Immigration practice can intersect with reconciliation in concrete ways: supporting Indigenous clients with travel and identity documents, being mindful of trauma informed practice with Survivors and their families, and advocating for inclusive policy. IRCC has taken steps to make some identity processes more accessible to Indigenous Peoples, a development we follow closely for client advice.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to learn, to remember, and to commit to actions at an institutional and individual level. For immigration lawyers and employers, that means adopting culturally safe practices and ensuring policy and forms treat Indigenous identity with respect. By honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Canada, we move closer to meaningful reconciliation in both law and society.

Frequently Asked Questions – Truth and Reconciliation