Access Credit Union will observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30th

Access Credit Union will close our operations to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st. This day provides an opportunity for each individual to recognize and reflect on the legacy of residential schools.

Previously known as Orange Shirt Day, September 30th was established in 2013, however the history truly began in 1973 when six-year-old Phyllis Webstad entered the St. Joseph Mission Residential School outside of Williams Lake, BC. Learn more about Phyllis’ story.

We support our members and employees to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through education and awareness activities, participating in Orange Shirt Day, attending local community events and initiatives, or through personal reflection.

Access Credit Union staff are participating in education and training to support this initiative. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training is an important step in fostering an inclusive workplace culture, where all employees and members feel welcomed, safe, and respected.

We are proud to offer and support this training with all employees since launching it in 2021. Training includes Understanding & Overcoming Unconscious Bias, Understanding Our Role in Workplace Diversity, and Reconciliation Education Indigenous Awareness.

Access Credit Union contributes to Truth and Reconciliation by creating orange t-shirts in collaboration with Indigenous Artist, Kayla Tanner, for sale to staff, forwarding all proceeds onto Circles for Reconciliation. Access Credit Union wears orange T-shirts on this day to honour and remember the experiences and loss of Indigenous people in Canada.