Professional Geoscientists Ontario Supports Truth & Reconciliation — September 30 and Beyond

On September 30, Professional Geoscientists Ontario (PGO) joins Canadians in marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This day honours survivors of residential schools, remembers those who were lost, and calls us to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

Professional geoscientists need to recognize the principles of reconciliation when performing their professional duty. Our work often involves land and water that are central to Indigenous identity and livelihood. Acting responsibly means acknowledging this context, listening to Indigenous perspectives, and applying that awareness in how we practice and engage.


PGO'S ACTIONS

PGO is committed to providing registrants with fundamental resources to support their reconciliation journey.
Our core resource is the PGO’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Professional Practice Guidelines, developed by the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, helps registrants consider equity and inclusion in real decisions, from project planning to collaboration. The guidelines address Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous rights, providing geoscientists with a foundational resource to not only understand EDI but to apply it directly to their day-to-day work.

In addition to our guidelines, PGO also offers educational opportunities such as the upcoming webinar on October 3, 2025. PGO will host “Active Allyship as a Dimension of Professional Responsibility,” a webinar on practical ways allyship can build trust and stronger working relationships with communities, including Indigenous partners. In the context of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, this session will highlight how such allyship is an essential act of reconciliation.

Melanie Siewert, CEO, Professional Geoscientists Ontario, offers the following reflection “Reconciliation calls on us to keep learning, to apply that knowledge in our work, and to consider how we interact within our community. As professionals, we can uphold the public interest by being attentive to the impact of our practice and by engaging with Indigenous Peoples in ways that build trust.”

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY

Reconciliation grows through steady steps: listening, learning, and applying what we learn in practice. Resources such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the Four Seasons of Reconciliation course, and works by Indigenous authors offer ways to deepen understanding and move forward meaningfully. Check out the recent release from the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation Centre, marking the 10th anniversary of the TRC’s Calls to Action: https://nctr.ca/statements-and-news-releases/truth-and-reconciliation-week-2025/ It offers a powerful reflection on the progress made and points to meaningful learning resources that can help us put reconciliation into practice.


MOVING FORWARD

September 30 is a time of remembrance and reflection. It is also a reminder that reconciliation is carried forward in how we work, collaborate, and build community every day. PGO remains committed to supporting registrants in this journey with integrity and accountability.