National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, 2025, Cooperation Canada will join people across the country in observing the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This year marks a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its 94 Calls to Action. The limited progress reminds us that reconciliation remains an unfulfilled promise — and a shared responsibility that demands continued and meaningful action.  Our offices will be closed as we pause to reflect on the truths of Canada’s colonial past and its lasting consequences, honour the lives, cultures and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and consider how each of us can contribute to advancing reconciliation in meaningful ways. 

This day comes as Indigenous communities continue to confront the enduring impacts of colonialism — from the ongoing discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, to the continued calls for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people, to the disproportionate effects of climate change on Indigenous lands and livelihoods. Even in the face of these injustices, Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island are leading movements to defend rights, revitalize cultures and protect Mother Earth for future generations. These realities are a reminder that reconciliation is not a symbolic act, but a collective responsibility that demands persistence, humility and action. 

Over the past year, Cooperation Canada has taken steps to live out commitments to reconciliation. Our team participated in important moments of remembrance and learning, including the Red Dress Day ceremony at Ottawa City Hall and a visit to the Kitigan Zibi Cultural Centre guided by knowledge holders. Our Board of Directors and staff engaged in a reflection process, led by the Bridge Building Group, to deepen Cooperation Canada’s commitments to reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Building on this process, we have begun a journey of learning and transformation to strengthen Indigenous leadership, integrate Indigenous perspectives and explore Indigenous governance practices within our Board, in collaboration with SevGen Consulting. 

We have worked alongside Indigenous partners through the Civil 7 (C7) process, sponsored and participated in the Second Annual Métis Nation Global Summit and carried out public campaigns that highlight reconciliation milestones and resources. At the 2024 International Cooperation Futures Forum, a live painting by Métis artist Colleen Gray was auctioned, with proceeds supporting Minwaashin Lodge, an Indigenous Women’s Support Centre in Ottawa. 

The revision and ratification of Cooperation Canada’s Code of Ethics, undertaken in collaboration with Jacknife Consulting, deliberately integrates Indigenous perspectives and formalizes our sector’s efforts toward decolonization, reconciliation and the advancement of justice. It builds on the commitments outlined in our Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice Strategy and Action Plan (2023–2026), which serves as a roadmap for strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and embedding reconciliation across our organizational priorities. 

Reconciliation is not a destination but a practice—one that requires dedication, courage, honesty and accountability. As we mark this day, we do so with gratitude to Indigenous Peoples for their leadership and resilience and with continued determination to walk this path together. 

Notes to Editors

• Cooperation Canada is the national voice for Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. Representing over 100 organizations, we convene, coordinate and advocate for effective, inclusive and accountable international cooperation that contributes to a fairer, safer and more sustainable world.

Media Contact

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau, Senior Communications Manager
gkaraszperriau@cooperation.ca
(514) 945-0309