National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Learning, Reflecting and Building Relationships

Each year, Canada observes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 to honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and recognize the lasting impacts of residential schools.

Today, workers across Eldorado's Canadian operations are marking the day through activities that encourage learning, reflection and dialogue.

Eldorado Gold Québec 

At our Lamaque Complex, several initiatives were launched to promote awareness, dialogue and a deeper understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures and experiences.

Members of our Lamaque team participated in the creation of a collaborative mural led by Indigenous artist Claudette Happyjack, a member of the Cree community of Waswanipi. Employees also received copies of Odibi: A Journey Through the Anishnabe History of Lac Simon, providing an accessible and engaging way to learn aboutthe history, culture and lived experiences of the Lac Simon's community.  

To mark this important day, the water tower at the Lamaque Complex was illuminated in orange on September 29 and 30 to honour the significance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, residential school Survivors and their families, while reminding us of the importance of ongoing learning, awareness and reconciliation.  

Eldorado Gold Saskatchewan 

At Eldorado Gold Saskatchwan (EGS), the day carries particular significance. Sturgeon Landing Residential School and its successor, Guy Hill Residential School, impacted families and communities across northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, including Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, Cumberland House Cree Nation and Métis families in the area. These communities are our colleagues and friends with whom we work every day.

In August, our EGS Engagement Team attended a reunion held on the former Sturgeon Landing school grounds that supported Survivors, a meaningful opportunity for reflection, reconnection and remembrance.

To mark September 30, our EGS employees received Every Child Matters pins, participated in learning opportunities, such as a Lunch and Learn featuring the documentary Reckoning at St. Anne's, and engaged in conversations supported by Truth and Reconciliation resources. At McIlvenna Bay mine site, employees also shared a meal inspired by Indigenous traditions and gathered for an evening of activities featuring gifts sourced from First Nations and Métis artists and businesses.

A Commitment Beyond September 30 

While National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important day of remembrance and reflection, reconciliation is an ongoing journey.

At Eldorado, we recognize the importance of listening, learning and building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, we can continue to deepen our understanding and strengthen relationships with the communities where we live and work.