STATEMENT ON TRUTH & RECONCILIATION DAY

SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2026

Today, as an organization we remember the children who never came home, honour Residential School Survivors, and stand with Indigenous families, communities, and Nations whose lives continue to be shaped by this history. As Black mandated organization committed to health equity, justice, and community wellbeing we must listen to Indigenous voices, confront the harms of the past and present, challenge racism and discrimination, and build relationships grounded in respect, dignity, justice, and accountability. We also recognize that reconciliation is more than acknowledgement. It is a shared responsibility and an ongoing commitment to action.

Black and Indigenous communities share experiences of resistance, resilience, and the ongoing struggle against racism and systems that have created deep inequities in health, education, housing, and access to opportunity. At the same time, we also recognize that these experiences are not interchangeable. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples have distinct histories, cultures, rights, and relationships to these lands, and have endured the specific harms of colonization, including dispossession from their lands, residential schools, the forced separation of families and communities, and efforts to suppress Indigenous languages, cultures, and ways of life. Recognizing where our struggles intersect must also mean respecting what is unique to Indigenous experiences and centering Indigenous voices in the work of reconciliation.

We acknowledge the ways colonial systems have created and continue to reinforce inequities in health, education, housing, and other areas of life. Our commitment to challenging systemic racism must include standing against the ongoing impacts of colonialism and supporting Indigenous peoples’ right to health, dignity, self-determination, and culturally safe care. We also take a moment to recognize the challenges and barriers that Afro-Indigenous individuals, families and communities face and express our commitment to be part of the work and action to improve their health and wellbeing.

Adhering to the principle of ‘Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands’, TAIBU supports the work and efforts of the Scarborough Indigenous Wellness Advisory Council in advancing the healing of the community through the provision of various culturally appropriate wrap around and mental health programs and services. We remain committed to learning from Indigenous voices, strengthening relationships, and contributing to a future grounded in respect, justice, healing, and collective responsibility.
Today, we remember. We reflect. And we recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of Truth and Reconciliation.