National Indigenous Peoples Day

Like so many, we are reeling with the recent discovery of the unmarked grave in Kamloops and knowledge that at least 4,000 more children lost their lives at the hands of the Canadian government and the churches. We have come to understand that this evidence of centuries of mistreatment was not a recent reveal to the Indigenous people on this land we call Canada. But the physical finding of children’s remains made it impossible to remain oblivious to what happened in Canada’s residential schools.

As Courtney is making social purpose and moral courage a more central part of its message and its mission, we want to acknowledge the atrocities of past generations and what still continues for the Indigenous peoples, their communities and their land. The very nature of Courtney’s business gives us a global view. But it lacks foundation if our social purpose doesn’t start right here at home – enhancing understanding between people and improving quality of life.

To acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples Day, we have taken action in the following ways:

• Through dedicated time for discussion, we are being educated with our staff on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation and the Commission’s Calls to Action.
• We have made a donation to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society as well as the choice of one of our staff members – Legacy of Hope
• We now share with our network this booklet that explains the Residential School System in Canada.
• We recognize that the land is sacred to our Indigenous peoples and we will continue to do what we can to take care of how we interact with it – at home and at work.

We are starting into a journey of learning the truth for Indigenous people here on Turtle Island, as well as for those people around the world who suffer violent oppression and the threat of cultural genocide. 

We invite you to join us.

Paul Courtney and Virginia Weiler