Recognizing Truth and Reconciliation
, marked Canada’s inaugural National Truth and Reconciliation Day. To recognize this important day, CTC hosted a company-wide Truth and Reflection learning event, which featured inspiring Indigenous leaders who shared their stories and knowledge about the residential school system and offered their personal perspective on meaningful reconciliation. In addition to a live fireside chat between activist Ashley Callingbull and Leanne Bellegarde, employees had access to workshops on land acknowledgement and traditional teachings led by the First People’s Group’s team.
Addressing Anti-Black Racism
In , the Black Lives Matter movement presented the opportunity for all of us to take a closer look at ourselves and our values. This led to the creation of our formal Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) team that is working to implement a five-year strategy and DIB commitments. We committed over $600,000 to organizations dedicated to helping Black communities across Canada and an additional $200,000 to Black grassroots organizations recommended by our employees.
In , as our work continued, we collaborated with Randell Adjei, the first Poet Laureate of Ontario, to capture the many emotions that were still very present while looking forward to the ongoing work that lies ahead.
Driving change through sport
Through our partnership with the Orange Shirt Society and Keener Jerseys, the Orange Jersey Project (OJP) was developed to help coaches educate hockey teams about the history of the residential school system in Canada. The OJP is sending 10,000 orange practice jerseys to youth teams across the country to spark dialogue about residential schools and their harmful impact on Indigenous children and families.
Speaking with Judy Shepard
We were excited to have the inspirational Judy Shepard join CTC to share her wisdom and lessons with the organization. As a passionate mother and 2SLGBTQ+ activist, Judy told the story of her son Matthew’s murder to emphasize the importance of making spaces safe, inclusive and welcoming for people to come as they are. During the session, she offered suggestions and best practices for allyships and making the world more open to diversity to drive understanding, acceptance, and social change.