The BC College of Social Workers acknowledges all the Indigenous peoples, community workers, social workers, aunties, and families, who have been doing the work of supporting families, and communities, to heal from the ongoing impacts of colonization and their continuing work in rebuilding our futures as strong nations and communities.

The federal government recently passed legislation to name September 30th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity for each public servant to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.

The BC College of Social Workers is committed to reconciliation and to ensuring that the tragic history and legacy of residential schools is never forgotten. The College recognizes and mourns the harm that residential schools have caused Indigenous families and communities. The College stands beside, and with all, Indigenous peoples in acknowledging and honoring those affected by the ongoing intergenerational trauma, suffering and tragic inequalities.

The College recognizes the need to not only acknowledge the harm that has occurred within the Indigenous populations throughout Canada because of colonization, but also understands the need to deeply embed the knowledge of this history into the social work profession, so that it never again plays such a role in the future.

Indigenous communities have long called on us to consider what each of us can do as individuals to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Metis, and/or Inuit. We are being called to an authentic understanding of the truth of our shared history, to accept and learn from it, and in doing so, create change today, for a better tomorrow.

The offices of the BC College of Social Workers will close on September 30th to provide staff the opportunity to engage in quiet reflection and/or participate in a community event.

The National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

Link to Government of Canada, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca

Link to Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada reports and information:

Reports – NCTR

Link to BC Health Regulators observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

BCHR observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – BCHR – BC Health Regulators