Our commitment to reconciliation

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day we set aside to reflect on the impact that residential schools had on the Indigenous community. This tragic time took children from their homes, tore families apart, and must never be forgotten.

As a Canadian company, we’ve worked hard to honour the impact and memory of this time. Some of our efforts include:

• Indigenous Land Acknowledgements: We’ve installed land acknowledgement plaques at our Loblaw head office in Brampton and in various grocery store locations, to help honour our relationship with Indigenous communities. Teams are also encouraged to begin meetings with land acknowledgements whenever possible.

• Investing in Indigenous Communities: We’re supporting the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and their efforts to create economic opportunities for business owners. Our most recent donation of $50,000 helped create a scholarship to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs.

• Creating a space for understanding and reconciliation: This year, in partnership with The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund, we opened a Legacy Space at our Loblaw head office in Brampton, which is a representation of our commitment to reconciliation through the creation of a physical space where visitors can learn and reflect on the true history of Canada and our journey towards reconciliation personally and as an organization.

• Helping customers show their support: Joe Fresh has been selling an orange shirt for adults, kids and toddlers, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Gord Downey and Chanie Wenjack Fund.

By listening, learning and taking meaningful action to support the Indigenous community, we hope to create a more equitable and just future for all.

The National Residential School 24-hour crisis line is available to provide support to survivors and other individuals impacted by residential schools (1-866-925-4419).