Dear friends of PAPER LABEL,
On September 30, we pause in deep respect to honour Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day calls on us not only to reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools, but to recommit to listening, learning, and walking beside Indigenous communities in meaningful ways.
Wearing Orange with Intention
The orange shirt is not just a colour — it’s a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and solidarity. Inspired by Phyllis Webstad’s story, wearing orange reminds us that no child should ever lose their identity or dignity. On September 30, let us wear orange with conscious intention — to remember survivors, to acknowledge the magnitude of harm done, and to inspire hopeful acts of change in our communities.
Our Ongoing Commitments & Updates
Since last year’s reflections, we have continued to consider how PAPER LABEL — a small business with a big heart — can contribute in ways that are humble, sustained, and grounded in respect.
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Education & partnership: We are deepening our own learning through cultural competency training, engaging Indigenous voices in dialogue, and seeking partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations to collaborate on future projects.
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Acknowledgement of territory: We honour that our operations are on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We are grateful for their care of the land and waters, and we strive to be better stewards in relationship with them.
We acknowledge that these efforts are modest, and the path toward justice and healing is long. But reconciliation is not a one-day event. It’s an ongoing practice of empathy, accountability, and solidarity.
How You Can Join Us
We invite you — our customers, community members, and allies — to consider joining us in these actions:
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Wear orange on September 30 with intention and reflection.
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Read and share materials such as the TRC Calls to Action, the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and resources from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
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Engage with your local Indigenous communities — learn the Indigenous histories of your area, attend public events, support Indigenous artists, and consider donating or volunteering.
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Commit to continued learning beyond September — reconciliation is ongoing, and so should be our curiosity, humility, and accountability.
We believe that compassion, curiosity, and collective reckoning can bring us closer to the justice and healing that so many deserve. On September 30, let us walk forward — together — in remembrance, respect, and renewed purpose.
With gratitude and humility,
The PAPER LABEL Team