Your digest

This week, in honour of the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Thursday, Sept.30), we’re doing something a little different.

Today’s digest is entirely dedicated to sharing resources, events and information intended to help guide our continued learning, reflection, allyship and efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous colleagues and communities:

Truth and Reconciliation Week: Sept. 27 to Oct. 1

Hosted by the University of Manitoba, Truth and Reconciliation Week is a five-day national virtual event that will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content and activities — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Programming will feature videos created by Indigenous storytellers, followed by conversations with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors and the children of Survivors of residential schools. Tune into live and pre-recorded events here.

Lunch and Learn with Quintessential Research Group and Canadian Blood Services: Sept. 29

In support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and our commitment to Indigenous inclusion, allyship and reconciliation, we are hosting a lunch and learn in partnership with Quintessential Research Group Inc. (QRG), an Indigenous-led consulting firm. This session will be held on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. ET.  Learn more about our partnership with QRG, along with some of the steps we are taking to support reconciliation, including the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to strengthen our connections with Indigenous communities in lasting and meaningful ways. This session will be recorded for those who can’t attend live. Register here.

Do something: A conversation on this inaugural day and what it means for Canada: Sept. 30

In anticipation of the newly established federal day of reflection, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, many people in Canada have been wondering what this day means. Downie & Wenjack Fund and CEO, Sarah Midanik, will be hosting a discussion to explore this new day of reflection, the significance of September 30, what this means for reconciliation in Canada and how we can participate meaningfully. Register here.

Prime-time broadcast for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Sept. 30

This one-hour special honours the stories and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will broadcast and stream live Thursday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on APTN, CBC, CBC Gem, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV.

Creating our own Reconciliation Action Plan

To ensure our work with Indigenous communities is meaningful and ongoing, Canadian Blood Services is continuing to partner with Indigenous-led consulting firm QRG, to develop our own Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are excited to work with QRG to provide opportunities for employees to share input and experiences to help inform the development of the RAP, through virtual circle discussions. Starting this week, you can register for one (or both) of the events below by contacting Cristina Scott at QRG (scott@theqrgroup.com):

• Thursday, Oct. 28 (1 p.m. EST): Led by QRG through Indigenous-based facilitation, this circle discussion will provide a safe space for Indigenous employees to speak their truths and honour their experiences and stories.
• Thursday, Nov. 25 (1 p.m. EST): Join a RAP circle discussion seeking input from all employees who wish to participate.

Question of the day: I’d like to start including territory acknowledgements in my meetings but I’m not sure whose land I’m on. Where can I find this information?

Acknowledging traditional territory is an important cultural protocol for many Indigenous Peoples, nations and cultures. A formal acknowledgement is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on this land from time immemorial. 

You can find a set of guidelines for acknowledging traditional territories at connect.blood.ca/DEI. You’ll also find links to the events mentioned above, as well as access other resources that cover some of the most topical conversations and initiatives happening around diversity, equity and inclusion.

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About your digest

This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters.  No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.     

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