Small actions that make a difference

Reconciliation is in our blood as Canadians. Whether you’re a newcomer or have been in the North for generations, getting involved will bring you closer to the land we all call home.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for everyone to learn and make amends for the history put on Indigenous Peoples. It’s an opportunity for every student to connect and acknowledge our history and why it’s so important.

What is Truth and Reconciliation?

A group of people wearing orange in front of a building honouring the children who never returned home from the residential school system. — *Photo by Tandem X Visuals via Unsplash.*

The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation has sad roots. This is why the government of Canada funds and provides systemic guidelines for reconciliation. On this day, we carry out that responsibility.

Indigenous children were taken away from their families and put into residential schools to wash away their culture. With poor infrastructure and abuse, it resulted in deaths and lost traditions. The consequences of these actions transition from generation to generation. It’s up to everybody to promote and shape a future of reconciliation.

And reconciliation is also a duty to us students. We need to bring equality back through equity. Students can actively participate in tiny acts of kindness and promote awareness.

Wearing orange is a visible way of doing that while making meaningful strides toward reconciliation.

Canadians everywhere take time to acknowledge what Indigenous Peoples have gone through, recognize how that still impacts them today and ask themselves how they can contribute to providing much-needed equity to our land owners.

Businesses

A group of people is shopping. — *Photo by Shariza Hawat via Unsplash.*

Students have plenty to gain from supporting Indigenous businesses. Post-secondary students will get a broader sense of Canadian culture and feel more connected to the land we all love.

In a report, Statistics Canada said Indigenous businesses are on the rise. Giving these businesses your support is a step toward building a strong relationship with this land’s original traditions.

When people travel, they do so to learn about the cultures around the world. Canada is no different. Any student, international or domestic, can gain valuable insights into Canadian history by simply shopping, eating or visiting Indigenous businesses.

Indigenous food around the GTA is as diverse as the country itself. Tea-N-Bannock near Dundas Station serves a unique bison burger. First Fish sells Canadian-caught seafood in a few different ways. They tour local markets around the city, you can order their products directly to your home and their fish is used in restaurants all over Canada. Birch Bark has you covered on the coffee front with different Indigenous inspired flavours. Seeking out Indigenous businesses has never been easier, thanks to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business.

Food isn’t the only way to keep Indigenous businesses thriving. Indigenous fashion, jewelry and art never go out of style. Outlier Leather, Sunrise Heart Designs, Pacha Arts, Resist Clothing and Two Hearts Beadwork are just a few Indigenous owned businesses that will satisfy the fashionista in you.

Community

A group of people walking beside a Black and Indigenous Solidarity mural at Humber. — *Picture by Humber Polytechnic – Humber’s Digital Asset Management*

Making a difference doesn’t need to be just financial. Taking part in Indigenous-inspired activities can also be a representation of being an ally. You can make a difference with our annual Walk for Reconciliation on Sept. 25 in the IGNITE Backyard at the North campus.

You can contribute to community initiatives within Humber’s walls. Look into the fun events coming up at Humber’s Indigenous Education & Engagement department.

Alternatively, your student discount or public library will get you into museums around the city. Visiting a museum will provide a mixture of entertainment and education. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and Bata Shoe Museum all feature Indigenous art, history and artifacts to expand your knowledge and deepen your connection with Indigenous Peoples.

Indigenous stories are all around us. Pick up a fun novel by an Indigenous writer or browse through your favourite streaming service’s Indigenous films section. All Humber students can easily get Kanopy, a free streaming service, through the public or Humber’s library.

The Humber Library also has an Indigenous Research Guide and books to help you increase your knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures.

Indigenous Peoples have always had powerful and entertaining storytelling. The first step is to hear and appreciate their voices.

Volunteering

Group of people wearing orange at the Walk for Reconciliation at Humber Lakeshore campus. — *Picture by IGNITE.*

Volunteering will have a more direct impact. It’s accessible and welcoming for all walks of life to give their support to the original peoples of this land.

Reach out to volunteerstrategy.ca and they will direct you toward local events and services that rely on volunteers for their cause. Humber’s Indigenous Education & Engagement, along with other notable groups such as the Anishnawbe Health Foundation, also welcome volunteers.

These institutions have fun events throughout the year for you to enjoy while contributing to the change this country needs. Volunteering has always been an enticing way of getting to know your community. Getting to know, support and grow Indigenous cultures is no different.

A group of people walking at the Walk for Reconciliation wearing orange. — *Picture by IGNITE.*

Reconciliation isn’t only about acknowledging the history Indigenous Peoples have endured, it’s about honouring their customs, traditions and learning firsthand about the history of this country.

Eventually, small steps toward reconciliation can make all the difference. Education, interacting with the media or going to events is a simple way to make a difference. Canada is founded on Indigenous culture.

Keep it prominent, get involved and celebrate all year long, especially this month. And remember to wear orange!

Feature Image courtesy of IGNITE.

See making a difference in action. Meet the 2025 IGNITE Pride Scholarship winners!