Photo credit: Sxwpilemaát Siyám, Chief Leanne Joe (Squamish Nation), sharing welcoming remarks at the Indigenous Women in Industry Summit on September 30, 2026.

What if the most important question we ask on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not about the past?

What if it’s about the future? 

As we do annually, Rise team members spent September 30 in different places. Some joined community walks and marches, some attended ceremonies, some listened to Elders and Survivors. What remained the same for all of us? Each experience created an opportunity for learning, conversation and deepening relationships. When we came together afterwards, we reflected on two questions: 

1. Looking back: What teaching, story, history or experience deepened your understanding this NDTR? 

2. Looking forward: Seven generations from now, what do you hope has changed because of the choices, relationships and actions we take today?  

The answers were unique, but many of our lessons were shared. 

A Day of Truth, Learning and Relationship 

One of the themes that surfaced was the importance of Truth. For one team member, that lesson came while listening to Phyllis Webstad speak at the walk hosted by Semiahmoo First Nation. Learning that she required a police escort and that her family remained outside Kamloops due to safety concerns was heartbreaking. It was a reminder that the stories Survivors share are not only part of history. Their impacts continue today, and speaking Truth can come with personal costs. Yet, despite illness and those challenges, she chose to participate in the walk. One teaching that continues to resonate: we must continue centering Truth because Survivors are still here.  

Others witnessed different examples of what Reconciliation can look like. At a gathering with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), one team member witnessed a formal apology from the District. What stood out was not only the apology itself, but the years of relationship-building, listening and research that led to that moment. It was a reminder that meaningful change rarely happens at once. It grows through trust, accountability and a willingness to keep showing up.  

For others, the lessons came through ceremony.  At the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sacred Fire Ceremony at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, one colleague reflected on how ceremony moves at its own pace. There was time to reconnect with people, share conversations and make commitments to support Indigenous students and future leaders.  

Another reflected on teachings about being rooted in culture and community. Being rooted does not mean standing still. It means knowing who we are, where we come from and carrying that confidence into our actions. As shared by Sxwpilemaát Siyám, Chief Leanne Joe, “Our identity, connection to land and place, and culture are more powerful than anything that attempts to challenge us. In the face of denialism, racism and current events, who [we are] is so much stronger.” 

Taken together, these reflections reminded us of something we often say at Rise: Reconciliation as (and is) relationship. It happens in conversations. It happens in classrooms, communities and workplaces. It happens when we listen, learn and follow through on our commitments.  

Making Space for Joy 

There were also moments of joy. This was important for us to reflect on and share because Indigenous stories are not only stories of loss. One team member reflected on hearing JB the First Lady perform with her son, Cedar Bear. Watching them share the stage together felt like a celebration of culture, family and the passing of teachings from one generation to the next.  

Another reflected on conversations about healing, sobriety and ceremony. Others spoke about children attending community gatherings and learning about Orange Shirt Day in school. Parents described answering questions, sharing stories and watching young people engage with these conversations in thoughtful ways.  

These moments matter. They remind us that Reconciliation is not only about acknowledging past harms. It is also about creating a future where Indigenous Peoples, cultures, languages and communities continue to thrive.  

So, What About Seven Generations From Now? 

When we reflected on the future, a common hope emerged. Some spoke about creating more opportunities for Indigenous students and scholars. Others imagined healthier communities, stronger relationships and spaces where people can heal and succeed. Several reflected on the importance of education and the impact of children learning these Truths from an early age.  

Beneath those hopes was something even simpler: a desire for a future where Indigenous Peoples never have to question whether they are safe, included or believed. A future where Indigenous children grow up proud of who they are and connected to their language, culture and community. A future where Truth is no longer questioned.  A future where respect, understanding and belonging are not aspirations, but expectations. 

Perhaps that is what thinking seven generations ahead asks of us. Not to imagine one grand act that changes everything, but to consider whether the choices we make today are helping create the future we hope to see. 

Questions to Carry Forward 

With September 30 now behind us and as we return to our daily routines, we invite you to spend some time with the same questions that guided our reflections. There is no single right answer. What matters is continuing to ask the questions and to listen, learn, and build relationships. And — to remember that the future, seven generations from now, is being shaped by the choices we make today.