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Mercer International observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Mercer International’s Canadian operations observed a statutory holiday on Sept. 30 to honour the former Indigenous residential school survivors, their families and communities. The company took this step as it was aligned with its values, policies, commitments and it wants to build and strengthen its relationships with Indigenous peoples.

The company released a statement on Sept. 29, noting that the tragic recovery of the remains of Indigenous children from unmarked graves over the past year is a difficult reminder of the injustices suffered, the depth of the losses experienced, and the ongoing trauma endured by survivors, their families, and communities.

Mercer is committed to taking an active and engaged role in the vital process brought forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. As a company operating on the territories of many diverse Indigenous peoples, Mercer deems it its responsibility to learn, reflect and grow in ways that honour and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The company explained that it understands and recognizes that the residential school system is much more than a painful truth about Canada’s history. These institutions continue to have a lasting impact today. In its statement, Mercer respectfully acknowledged its Indigenous community partners, staff, families and neighbours whose lives have been impacted through the direct or shared experiences of the devastating separation from their families, cultures and identities.

The Canadian federal government declared Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in June this year. The date coincides with “Orange Shirt Day”, which is recognized annually during the time of year when Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families to attend residential school.

Mercer also stated that it will continue to build awareness across its teams and actively engage with Indigenous peoples and organizations in support of healing.