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, now in its fourth year, 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 the child welfare system 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 commitment also means encouraging and supporting our staff in participating in both celebratory and educational events. This year, instead of hosting a single event to mark September 30, we opened a multi-week self-guided learning experience titled Standing in Truth at our Isabella Street location. This interactive space (featured in the photos below) was designed to spark reflection, conversation and learning through curated materials, history and video.
We have encouraged our staff to honour this time by engaging with the Standing in Truth experience at CAST, joining community activities, and carrying forward the shared responsibility we hold in advancing reconciliation.
We encourage those interested in learning more about our equity work to visit www.torontocas.ca/EDI.
