On September 1, York Region Children’s Aid Society raised the Every Child Matters flag to mark the beginning of Truth and Reconciliation Month, a time dedicated to reflection, learning and meaningful action in support of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
The Every Child Matters flag is a visible reminder of the children who never returned home from residential schools, the Survivors who continue to carry the impacts of that history, and the families and communities who have been affected across generations.
The message “Every Child Matters” serves as a call to honour the dignity, identity and potential of every Indigenous child. It also encourages ongoing reflection on the harms caused by the residential school system, including the loss of culture, language, family connections and safety. Acknowledging these truths is an essential step toward reconciliation.
As an Agency that serves First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth and families, York Region CAS recognizes that reconciliation must extend beyond symbolic gestures. It requires ongoing commitment to listening, learning and taking action to ensure services are culturally safe, respectful and responsive to the needs and voices of Indigenous people. It also requires strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners and communities while continuing to address barriers and inequities that impact children, youth and families.
Throughout the month of September and beyond, our Agency’s Honouring Indigenous Commitments Committee and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team will be working to help foster learning opportunities for our staff to reinforce our commitment to treating every child (including Indigenous children and youth) with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Truth and Reconciliation Month reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, not a single event. York Region CAS remains committed to honouring Survivors and their families, amplifying Indigenous voices, and taking meaningful steps toward a more just and equitable future for the children, youth and families we serve.
As the Every Child Matters flag flies, it stands as a shared commitment to remember the children, honour Survivors, and continue the work of truth, healing and reconciliation.
To learn more about York Region CAS’ commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) nine key commitments, visit: https://www.yorkcas.org/reconciliation/.
🧡 Every Child Matters.
