CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA September 30, 2022 –

This year marks the second time the Federal government has acknowledged and honored this day. Even though the residential school system is a thing of the past, Indigenous peoples continue to struggle with the effects of this dark time in Canadian history. At Valard, we recognize our responsibility to educate, support, and acknowledge the legacy of residential schools. This is the only path to move forward and thrive as a unified society. This day provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools.

• Valard continues to encourage all its employees, contractors, clients, business partners, and associates to show support for this day by wearing orange on September 30th.
• We use the ribbon designed by our Indigenous staff and elders’ guidance to distribute orange shirts to help spread the word and acknowledge the Orange Shirt Day cause and the Every Child Matters movement.
• Valard Construction will work on this day but has scheduled stand-downs with our leadership across all the project sites and offices to have moments of silence, share testimonials of residential school survivors and reflect on the meaning of this day.

Our company’s foundation lies in building strong partnerships and developing lasting relationships with Indigenous communities, groups, and individuals across the country. Our Indigenous relationships are based on a simple approach of respect, openness, and fairness. Reconciliation can’t be achieved without acceptance and acknowledgment of the truth, a willingness to move forward, and facilitating resources to help the healing process. We will continue to support Indigenous causes and work towards strengthening their communities through our work. Valard will always look for ways to reflect our respect for Indigenous peoples, their history, and their culture. Thank you.

Carey Kostyk
President