Learning Reflecting and Moving Forward Together
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. It is a time to honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities.
It is also an opportunity to reflect on the role each of us can play in supporting reconciliation.
At Vibrant, we recognize that reconciliation is not limited to one day. It requires continued learning, listening, reflection, and action throughout the year.
Continuing Our Learning
Our staff members participated in Indigenous-specific training focused on anti-racism, cultural safety, and the experiences of Indigenous Peoples .
The training encouraged participants to consider how colonial systems and historical injustices continue to affect Indigenous Peoples today, including their experiences when accessing healthcare and community services.
It also encouraged staff to reflect on their own assumptions and consider how everyday practices can contribute to safer and more respectful care.
Reflections From Our Staff
Staff members were invited to share something that stayed with them after completing the training.
“This training went beyond definitions and made me reflect on the difficult history behind our systems. Hearing colleagues’ stories made the learning feel personal and will influence how I approach my everyday work.”
“The Indigenous training was a valuable and informative experience. It provided meaningful insights into Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and experiences, while encouraging greater awareness, understanding, and respect. The training created an opportunity for thoughtful learning and reflection and is a valuable resource for building stronger relationships and fostering a more inclusive environment.”
“Bringing the San’yas Indigenous-Specific Anti-Racism Training to Vibrant is a vital step in our commitment to equity and inclusion. The training offered important context on systemic anti-Indigenous racism and reconciliation. The facilitated discussion boards were especially impactful, creating space for open reflection, learning from colleagues, and thinking more deeply about how we can apply these lessons in our daily work and lives.”
These reflections remind us that learning can challenge our assumptions, broaden our understanding, and influence how we interact with clients, colleagues, and community members.
Turning Learning Into Practice
Learning is an important starting point, but reconciliation also requires action.
In our work, this means listening without making assumptions, respecting each person’s experiences and choices, and recognizing the barriers that Indigenous Peoples may face when accessing services. It also means reviewing our practices, policies, and communications to identify where we can do better.
We know that this work is ongoing. We remain committed to learning from Indigenous voices and applying what we learn to help create more respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe services.
On September 30, we encourage everyone to take time to listen, learn, reflect, and consider how they can contribute to reconciliation—not only on this day, but throughout the year.