In response to the new federal statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, a Vancouverite has launched a new campaign, One Day’s Pay, for Canadians who are unsure how to acknowledge this important day. Josh Hensman felt uneasy that he had the privilege to take a paid day off work on a day that is meant to honour Indigenous people who have had so many privileges systemically denied. He decided to donate his day’s pay to an Indigenous-led organization and is inviting business leaders and other Canadians to join him. His campaign has received backing from Indigenous-led groups including a partnership with The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada (The Circle).
One Day’s Pay encourages Canadians to recognize the new statutory ‘holiday’ with more than reflection: it is an invitation to take action. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to three Indigenous organizations: The Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Orange Shirt Day Society/Every Child Matters Society and the National Association of Friendship Centres. Donations can be made directly from the One Day’s Pay website.
“When I first heard about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, I felt conflicted,” explains Josh Hensman, Founder, One Day’s Pay. “While I definitely agree there should be a national day to recognize the harm done and being done to Indigenous Peoples in Canada, it just doesn’t seem like enough. I have committed to giving my day’s pay to Indigenous organizations. But I’m just one person. Imagine the impact if Canadians and business leaders across the country join me.”
Hensman reached out to The Circle, a well-respected organization that works to mobilize the settler philanthropic sector to move funds to Indigenous-led projects, movements, organizations, and nations. Together, they identified three non-profits where Canadians could confidently give directly, knowing that their funds would be used by Indigenous organizations for Indigenous people.
“Feeling proud as a Canadian means there also needs to be a willingness to face the harm that this country has done and that continues to exist. Canadians have a role to play in changing that,” says Kris Archie, CEO, The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. “One Day’s Pay came to us and said they were going to raise money for Indigenous-led organizations. They took responsibility and accountability. It’s a first step and a captivating idea -- we support that.”
In addition to giving funds, action can also come in the form of deeper engagement. One Day’s Pay encourages Canadians to educate themselves on Indigenous organizations and movements, to learn about the work they are doing, and why it is important for true reconciliation.
For more information on One Day's Pay, visit their website Twitter @GiveOneDaysPay Facebook @OneDaysPay Instagram @OneDaysPay
