On September 30, the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST) recognizes both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day carries the powerful message Every Child Matters that reminds us of the children and youth who experienced profound loss in Residential Schools.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation responds to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. It is a time to reflect on the ongoing systemic harm caused by colonial policies and systems, including the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care, the urgent need for culturally appropriate supports, and the full implementation of Jordan’s Principle.
At CAST, we are committed to strengthening partnerships with local Indigenous-led agencies, including Native Child and Family Services of Toronto. Our goal is to ensure that our services are equitable, culturally responsive, and guided by Indigenous voices and ways of being.
This year, CAST marked Truth and Reconciliation Week through A Walk Through Time: Truth, Education, and a Step Towards Reconciliation, a self-guided educational exhibit that invited staff to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, the impacts of Residential Schools, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. Through curated resources and opportunities for reflection, the exhibit encouraged learning, dialogue, and meaningful engagement.
While September 30 serves as an important day of recognition and reflection, reconciliation requires ongoing learning, relationship-building, accountability, and action. At CAST, we remain committed to advancing this work alongside Indigenous communities and partners.
We encourage those interested in learning more about our equity work to visit www.torontocas.ca/EDI.
