September 30, 2024, marks the fourth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, which coincides with Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the thousands of Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, as well as Survivors and their communities.

On this day, The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce reaffirms our solidarity with Indigenous communities, reflecting on our ongoing responsibility to participate in Truth and Reconciliation. We know that the journey towards Truth and Reconciliation is a long one and that there will be moments of fatigue. However, we remain committed to doing more to partner with Indigenous communities on activities that work toward reconciliation, including providing more programming and building YMCAs on reserve through collaboration with community members.

As part of our reconciliation efforts in 2024, YMCA Canada, which includes the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, raised $24,030 for the Orange Shirt Society through the sale of YMCA orange shirts, bringing our grand total over the past four years to $162,352.80. Additionally, YMCA Canada will be hosting a two-part national webinar series for staff across the country in October, fostering opportunities for learning and reflection.

On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our YMCA calls on all non-Indigenous individuals and organizations to stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, including our own leadership, staff, volunteers, and members. The work of reconciliation requires ongoing reflection and action from settler-led institutions and individuals, not just today but every day.

Sincerely,

Sarah Cowley, Chief Executive Officer
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce