Synergy Credit Union will close all it’s branches on September 30th to the mark the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation statutory holiday.
CEO Glenn Stang in a statement noted that they are taking this step to allow their staff to recognize and commemorate the legacy of the impact of residential schools.
The company added that the stat holiday brings attention to the history and intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. It is in line with the 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which calls for the Federal government to establish a stat holiday to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that there is public commemoration.
September 30 also coincides with Orange Shirt day which began in 2013 to honour Indigenous children who were taken from their families and sent to residential schools.
Stang also points out that Synergy staff are required to complete Reconciliation Education training through a partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusiveness.
Stang indicates that Synergy is humbled to be on the journey to reconciliation with First Nations communities and he is encouraging others to set aside the time of September 30 for reflection, education and involvement in activities to mark the day.