We’re heartbroken following last week’s horrific discovery by the Cowessess First Nation of 751 unmarked graves near the former Marieval Residential School in Saskatchewan.
This discovery, along with the recent unmarked grave findings in Kamloops, are continued reminders of the trauma and impact of the residential school system – which has displaced, isolated and harmed generations of Indigenous people and families. Sadly, more untold stories are likely to be uncovered and shared with the country and the world.
At this moment in time, we must all stand in solidarity with Indigenous people and communities – and as we learn more about this painful reckoning of our collective history in North America, ensure these numbers are not simply statistics. That means pledging to listen to survivors, amplifying Indigenous voices, and learning more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action in Canada and the progress of that journey.
To our Indigenous employees, we want you to know that our hearts are with you. In recent days, we have engaged with Indigenous leaders across RBC to ensure we have the right resources to help support you, in addition to what is already available.
Today, to build on our existing commitments and to provide support during the difficult weeks and months ahead, the RBC Foundation is committing $250,000 to the Indian Residential School Survivor Society to support the mental well-being of those impacted by the residential school system and these tragic discoveries.
And as we look ahead to Truth and Reconciliation Week beginning September 27, we are expanding our partnership with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to shine a light on both our shared past and present – and ensuring today’s youth are at the forefront of our shared reconciliation journey and a better tomorrow.
Our bank has a long history of partnering with Indigenous nations to drive economic growth and create positive social change, and we will continue to be a bank that acts on reconciliation in genuine and meaningful ways. We believe that with growing solidarity and a commitment to revealing uncovered truths, Canada can have meaningful and lasting reconciliation in its future, and we can all thrive together on this land.
Beyond these painful discoveries across residential school sites, in recent weeks we are seeing and hearing about rising acts of antisemitism, homophobia, Islamophobia, and continued harassment and violence against Asian, Black and many other communities of colour around the globe.
As we look forward to taking some time off to rest and reconnect with family and friends this summer, let’s also take a moment to reflect.
This week, many of us will mark Canada Day, which arrives at a particularly poignant moment for our society.
We know that July 1 has always been about recognizing what makes Canada a great place to live, and reflecting on what it means to be Canadian. But this year, it is also about acknowledging that we can show greater compassion, empathy, inclusiveness and respect for one another. That we can always aspire to bigger and greater goals. And that we’re stronger and better when we’re together.
RBC will never stop using its voice to further this vision and to speak up for inclusion. This is fundamental to our purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper.