Background
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a new statutory holiday in Canada that honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. The day is also a vital part of the reconciliation process. My task was to create a brochure that would educate Canadians about the importance of this day, the history behind it, and how they could observe it meaningfully.
Challenge
The main challenge was to approach this sensitive and complex topic with the respect and thoughtfulness it deserved. I had to find a way to convey the painful truths of Canada's past, while also emphasizing hope, healing, and the path towards reconciliation. The brochure needed to be clear, impactful, and encourage readers to learn more and get involved.
Solution – Copywriting
The copywriting focused on simplicity, honesty, and powerful storytelling. I broke the content into clear sections:
What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? A brief explanation of the day's purpose and why it's essential.
Understanding the Legacy of Residential Schools: A concise history of residential schools, the trauma they caused, and their lasting impact.
The Journey to Reconciliation: An overview of what reconciliation means, its importance, and the role every Canadian plays.
How to Honour the Day: Practical ways for people to observe the day, such as attending events, learning more, and having conversations about reconciliation.
I used headings, subheadings, and short paragraphs to make the information easy to digest. The tone was respectful, educational, and encouraging, rather than accusatory or overwhelming.
Solution – Graphic Design
The graphic design aimed to be evocative, respectful, and hopeful. To accomplish this I chose a colour scheme consisting of magenta, oranges and yellows.
Internally, I used a clean layout with plenty of white space to avoid overwhelming the reader. I broke up the text with relevant images, such as photos of residential schools, and illustrations of feathers or other Indigenous symbols.
Results
The brochure was well-received by Indigenous leaders, educators, and the general public. Feedback indicated it effectively conveyed the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, inspired people to learn more, and provided a helpful roadmap for observing the day in a respectful manner. The brochure played a small but vital part in helping Canadians understand their role in the reconciliation process.
Lessons Learned
This project reinforced the importance of approaching sensitive topics with care, respect, and a deep commitment to doing what's right.