September 27, 2023 - On September 30th, CASW will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day which serves as an important reminder of the profound impact of the Canadian residential school system on Indigenous children, families, and communities. It is a day to honour survivors and to reaffirm our individual and collective commitments to reconciliation. CASW urges all social workers to take the day to reflect and to call for their provincial and territorial government to designate it a statutory holiday. CASW encourages the Government of Canada to remain committed to realizing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
It has been four years since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was released with its 231 calls for justice. CASW stands in solidarity to the ongoing calls for the Government of Canada to commit to implementing the MMIWG calls to justice. There are far too many Indigenous women whose remains are known but are not recovered. Indigenous families and communities are continuing to undergo tremendous grief and trauma as they are unable to receive closure.
It is paramount that all levels of governments recognize the sacredness of Indigenous life and do everything in our power to stop the MMIWG crisis and support families and communities in their mourning. Consequently, for this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CASW is calling specifically for the Government of Canada to uphold the call for justice to establish a national task force to review and, if required, to reinvestigate each case of all unresolved files of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people from across Canada.
Finally, on this upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, CASW encourages each our members to take meaningful steps in their professional and personal lives to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
Let this day serve as a catalyst for change. Together, social workers can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and just society where the experiences and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples are celebrated and respected.
Joan Davis-Whelan
CASW President