September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). This recognizes the devastating historic and ongoing impacts of the residential school system in Canada.

BCAA and Evo observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, closing our locations and allowing team members to participate in this significant day. However, observing September 30th is about more than the day itself. It presents an opportunity for all of us to demonstrate our commitment to understanding our shared history as British Columbians and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Artist Spotlight: Ovila Mailhot

In support of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day, you will notice special digital signage in all BCAA Service Locations and Auto Service Centres. The artwork featured on these digital posters was specially created by Ovila Mailhot, a self-taught artist originally from Seabird Island, BC, with roots in the Nlaka'pamux and Stó:lō Nations. 

“My artwork is inspired by the traditions of my people and culture. Learning more about the ancestral elements of Coast Salish art helps me find ways to show who I am and where I'm from. Art feels vital to me. Being able to share that passion I have is important to me. This tradition of work, this beauty, is so necessary for our culture and healing.”

Ovi’s design for BCAA features two Salish eagles within a heart – clean and simple, yet elegant and bold.

"To me Truth and Reconciliation Day is the day we honor the residential school survivors and children our people lost. A day of remembrance and reflection for our Nation as we continue looking towards the path of healing."

For more of Ovi’s art, visit Salish Son Design.

BCAA’s Reconcili-actions

As a Purpose-led organization, we must do our part to reflect on our complex historical role in British Columbia and with indigenous communities. Here are a few ways we’re listening, learning and actively advancing reconciliation today:

• Offering reconciliation-related Indigenous-led learning opportunities to team members, including workshops with Indigenous organizations and community partners.
• Engaging local Indigenous artists and content creators to commission and display Indigenous art within BCAA work locations and on select products, services and digital channels.
• Evolve E-Bike Share partnered with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) to display Indigenous art on Evolve E-Bikes around Whistler. The initiative featured two Indigenous artists: Chief Ray Natraoro (Ses Siyam), a well-respected artist from Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (the Squamish Nation); and Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews, a talented young artist from Lil̓wat7ul (the Lil’wat Nation) and SLCC Cultural Ambassador. Both artists focused on the Spo7ez story, helping to inspire Whistler locals and visitors to learn more about the histories, rich cultures and peaceful co-existence of the two Nations.
• The artwork for the BCAA Fireweed Pin was designed by Quw’utsun Tribes artist Charlene Johnny, honouring the fireweed’s significance to Indigenous Peoples. Through this collaboration, we’re celebrating our collective strength in the face of wildfires and our ability to recover and rebuild, together.
• Evo has an ongoing partnership with Brendin Kelly, an Indigenous content creator, and continually amplifies their work to Members and our local community through our social media and other channels.
• Inclusion of location-specific land acknowledgements within BCAA Service Locations and Auto Service Centres in consultation with local Indigenous communities.
• Offering team members one paid day of leave for cultural, religious, ceremonial or spiritual observances of their choosing.
• Donating to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, a BC-based organization that provides services to residential school Survivors.
• Matching employee donations to Indigenous organizations or organizations directly supporting Indigenous communities.

This signifies the beginning of our continuous learning journey as an organization. BCAA and Evo are committed to continuing to incorporate reconciliation into our policies, practices and culture in alignment with the TRC’s Calls to Action.

^{IRSSS staff provide emotional and cultural support at a conference held by the Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools. (Image credit: Indian Residential School Survivors Society)}

What can you do?

Reconciliation is an ongoing and active process in which we can all take part. Here are a few suggestions to honour those lost, the Survivors, their families and communities by learning together:

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada reports, including the TRC's Calls to Action
• Watch ‘Wawahte: Stories of Residential School Survivors’
• Read ‘Five Little Indians’ by Michelle Good
• Listen to podcast ‘Kuper Island’

Join BCAA and Evo in supporting organizations who are advocating to keep Indigenous culture and history alive, and who are working hard to improve the lives of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country.

Through our BCAA Gives Back Platform, BCAA team members are making contributions to support the Indigenous Perspectives Society, Legacy of Hope Foundation, Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) and the Moose Hide Campaign, and our Members can donate too. Donate now.