Honouring September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

On September 30, we come together in sombre reflection, to learn, and to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and Indigenous communities.   

At The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada, we recognize that Truth and Reconciliation is not just a single day on the calendar, but an ongoing commitment to action, awareness, and relationship-building, through the public commemoration of the tragic and painful history.  

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation provides us with an important opportunity to pause and reflect on the history of residential schools. It is also a call to stand with Survivors and to deepen our understanding of the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous peoples today.  We acknowledge that our name is linked to the impacts of colonialism. Our Founder Prince Philip’s vision for the Award was that all young people regardless of background or life circumstance can participate and be given the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. This vision remains true today and we are committed to ensuring that the Award framework can be used to complement the work of Truth and Reconciliation by supporting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people.  

Award Canada continues to co-create with Indigenous-led partners; make space for land-based learning, language, and local protocols.  

Our Journey of Change  

The Award in Canada has been working to remove barriers that Indigenous communities and youth face in accessing our framework.  

We continue to expand our work with a focus on experiential learning to honour the whole student and their personal goals. Through the Award framework, Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth alike are supported to build resilience, leadership, and skills that support positive reintegration and civic engagement.  

Our Commitments to Being Culturally Responsive  

As part of our ongoing reconciliation journey, the Award in Canada commits to:  

• Building knowledge and awareness among staff, volunteers, partners, and participants about Indigenous histories, cultures, and the impacts of colonialism.  
• Seeking meaningful and sustained relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, ensuring the Award remains culturally relevant and responsive.  
• Providing opportunities for justice-involved youth, particularly Indigenous youth, to engage with the Award framework as a pathway toward positive outcomes.  
• Honouring September 30 as a day of reflection, learning, and commemoration across our organization.  
• Personalizing and valuing experiential learning with the goal of remaining culturally responsive.  

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional and ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples across this land. We express our gratitude and respect, and we invite all who engage with the Award to take steps in their own lives to learn, listen, and contribute to reconciliation.  

On September 30, and every day, we recommit to this journey.  

Learn more about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

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