Tag Archive for: Diversity and Inclusion

Reflecting on Orange Shirt Day: Learning, Listening, and Honoring at PM7G and PTAG

At PM7G and PTAG, we believe that meaningful action begins with understanding. On September 30, our team came together at our Markham office to observe Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance and education that honors the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools across Canada.

This national day of reflection is part of the broader journey of Truth and Reconciliation, and PM7G is proud to be part of this important dialogue.

Creating Space for Learning and Connection

Our Orange Shirt Day observance included a dedicated workshop, where team members explored the history and lasting impact of the residential school system. Through guided discussion, educational materials, and shared stories, the session provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the day and the ongoing importance of cultural awareness in our communities and workplaces.

In recognition of Indigenous culture and heritage, we were honoured to host a lunch catered by a local Indigenous-owned business, allowing our team to experience traditional cuisine while supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship.

As a symbol of solidarity, our team wore orange shirts to honour the children, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system , a shared commitment to the message that Every Child Matters. Each shirt featured original artwork created by talented youth from Alderville First Nation, whose powerful designs gave visual expression to the themes of remembrance, resilience, and reconciliation.

Our Ongoing Commitment

At PM7G, we acknowledge that reconciliation is not achieved in a single day. It requires intentional, sustained action and a commitment to learning. Through initiatives like Orange Shirt Day, we continue to create spaces where dialogue, respect, and inclusion are part of our everyday culture.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful event. Together, we remain committed to honouring Indigenous voices, histories, and futures.

Every Child Matters.

Learn more:

📘 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
Direct PDF link to the 94 Calls to Action:
https://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

📚 National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

https://nctr.ca
A central resource for residential school history, survivor stories, and ongoing reconciliation efforts.

🧡 Orange Shirt Day Official Site (Every Child Matters)

https://orangeshirtday.org
Learn more about the origins of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad’s story, and how to support the movement.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

September 15 – October 15 | Theme: “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”

Hispanic Heritage Month is a dedicated time to recognize the histories, cultures, and invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latin American communities. This year’s theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” calls on all of us to reflect on how the legacy of the past continues to influence innovation, leadership, and progress today.

At PTAG, we are proud to work alongside individuals whose heritage and vision drive meaningful change and elevate the standards of our industry.

Did You Know?

  • The Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 68 million as of July 1, 2024- accounting for 20% of the total population, making it the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country.
  • 15 U.S. states now have more than one million Hispanic residents, including Arizona, Texas, Florida, California, and New York.
  • The median age of the Hispanic population in 2024 is 31.2, highlighting a young, growing, and dynamic community that is shaping the future of the workforce and economy.
    (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 Population Estimates; National Population by Characteristics, 2020–2024)

At PTAG, we believe that diversity is a strength and that inclusion is a catalyst for innovation. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the voices, cultures, and contributions that make our teams stronger and our industry more resilient.

Let us continue to learn from the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future—together.

Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system.

On September 30th, Canadians observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day was established to recognize and commemorate the legacy of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities across the country. It is a day of reflection, learning, and commitment to reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant step forward in acknowledging the painful history of Canada’s residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. It is a day to remember, learn, and commit to the process of reconciliation. By embracing this day with an open heart and a willingness to understand, we can contribute to healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive and just future for all Canadians. Let us use this day as an opportunity to honor the truth, foster understanding, and work together toward a better tomorrow.

Wear Orange on September 30

The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children across generations, and Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots Remembrance Day designed to promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.”

To honor the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.

The PTAG team stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their families, and the indigenous communities. We honor and respect this national day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day throughout the year. PTAG is a committed member of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We understand our role in the society and as a business, we feel it’s our responsibility to help bring resources and educate the members of our indigenous community for them to prosper.

Reconciliation Starts with Education

Indigenous history: The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, reconciliation and more.

Reconciliation: Learn how the Government of Canada is working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Watch the videos as survivors share their experiences and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day:

Pride Month 2024: Together let’s celebrate the month of love, acceptance, and freedom.

Pride month is celebrated throughout the month of June to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ culture, and to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights. This month and throughout the year PTAG celebrate and stands in solidarity with our 2SLGBTQ+ community.

At PTAG, we believe equality is a fundamental right, and that distinct backgrounds bring with it unique and different perspectives that help in better business outcomes.

International Women’s Day 2024 

This International Women’s Day, the United Nations has declared the theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. 

Today, on International Women’s Day (8th March 2024), it is important to acknowledge the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women all around the world. This day serves as a reminder of how much progress we have made thanks to the efforts of women around us. 

All around the globe, women have played a pivotal role in driving innovation and contributing to the world’s economy. This is a reminder that equality is a crucial step in building a prosperous, healthier, and inclusive community. To achieve this, all of us must come together to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential. 

PTAG is doing its part by fostering a workplace where women contribute, feel appreciated and respected and are resourceful. PTAG is proud to have women from all walks of life working from entry level roles all the way to top executive leadership positions, leading us on the path of a progressive future.  These women are not selected based on gender; they are selected because they have what it takes to help PTAG continue to grow and serve its clients and partners. 

Happy International Women’s Day! Let’s continue to invest in women and pave the way for a progressive world as there is so much more work to be done to achieve equality for the generations after us. 

We are proud to have women in leadership roles across our organization, who inspire and guide our teams to achieve success.

Learn more!

Be sure to attend the event Inspiring Stories of Women in the Canadian Nuclear Industry and organized by Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries. 

Explore the Women in Canadian History: A Timeline showcasing the achievements of Canadian women in various fields such as politics, sciences, and the arts.

Watch now: USA Today’s Women of the Year explain why triumph over diversity is among the keys to their success.

Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day for all Canadians to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system.

On September 30th, Canadians observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day was established to recognize and commemorate the legacy of the residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities across the country. It is a day of reflection, learning, and commitment to reconciliation.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a significant step forward in acknowledging the painful history of Canada’s residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. It is a day to remember, learn, and commit to the process of reconciliation. By embracing this day with an open heart and a willingness to understand, we can contribute to healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive and just future for all Canadians. Let us use this day as an opportunity to honor the truth, foster understanding, and work together toward a better tomorrow.

Wear Orange on September 30

The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children across generations, and Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots Remembrance Day designed to promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.”

To honor the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remember those who did not, many Canadians across the country wear an orange shirt.

The PTAG team stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their families, and the indigenous communities. We honor and respect this national day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day throughout the year. PTAG is a committed member of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We understand our role in the society and as a business, we feel it’s our responsibility to help bring resources and educate the members of our indigenous community for them to prosper.

Reconciliation Starts with Education

Indigenous history: The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada, reconciliation and more.

Reconciliation: Learn how the Government of Canada is working to advance reconciliation and renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership.

Watch the videos as survivors share their experiences and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation Day:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

It’s crucial to understand the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and its role in the reconciliation process as September 30, 2022, approaches. The purpose of this day is to provide individuals with an opportunity to acknowledge and remember the terrible legacy of residential schools.

 For Survivors, September is a challenging month of the year. It is a heartbreaking reminder of the time of year when countless Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their homes, sent to residential schools, cut off from their relatives and communities, and stripped of their possessions.

It is vitally essential for all Canadians to learn about the Residential School System from Survivors, their families, communities, and others who have been impacted by it. The system kept children away from their families for long periods and banned them from acknowledging their Indigenous heritage, culture, or native language.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn, reflect and share what they can about the First Nations communities. Listening to and honoring Indigenous voices is fundamental to reconciliation, and that’s what today is all about.

Wear Orange on September 30

The orange shirt is a symbol of the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children across generations, and Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots Remembrance Day designed to promote the concept that “Every Child Matters.”

It’s a time for us all to reflect on Canada’s residential school system’s impact on Indigenous Peoples, the indignity and suffering that Indigenous Peoples experienced in the past, and the resulting concerns they still face today. We’ll keep learning more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and finding out how we can help drive positive change.

The PTAG team stands in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their families, and the indigenous communities. We honor and respect this national day for Truth and Reconciliation and every day throughout the year. PTAG is a committed member of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) program of the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCAB). We understand our role in the society and as a business, we feel it’s our responsibility to help bring resources and educate the members of our indigenous community for them to prosper.

Today and every day, Every Child Matters.

Start your learning journey today!

The establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Phyllis’ Story (orangeshirtday.org)

Watch Now !

UNO Award-winning artist Elisapie hosts a special that honors the perspectives of Indigenous Peoples affected by the tragedies of the residential school system in Canada, with musical tributes and ceremonies in Indigenous communities across the land.

It’s a Good Day to Be Indigenous, by Amanda Kahgee

By Amanda Kahgee

National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada is a day for many Canadians to learn about the country’s Indigenous Peoples; First Nations, Inuit, and Metis. It is an opportunity to learn about their histories and cultures.  However, for many of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, like myself, it is a reminder of our resilience to overcome the adversities of colonialism, oppression, and assimilation. It is a day for us to reclaim our identities through practicing our culture, ceremonies, experiences, and stories. It represents hope for our people’s future and the healing of our nations, and generations.

Join PTAG’s Ugo Santone for a Virtual Panel Discussion on Pathways to Employment in Project Management during Centennial College’s virtual conference.

In a continued effort to leverage our experience in project management to collaborate with our community members, PTAG has stepped up to be a part of Centennial College’s Career Services and Co-operative Education department’s Virtual Panel Discussion on Pathways to Employment in Project Management.

PTAG’s Partner of Professional Services and Talent Management Ugo Santone is pleased to be part of the panel alongside other industry experts and be amongst the aspiring students and recent graduates in the field of Project Management to share his extensive experience that will help young minds to launch their career in this field.

Ugo Santone is a Human Resources and Talent Management Professional with over 20 years of experience in business development, talent management & acquisition, operations, and human resources. He works closely with key stakeholders to lead project team development, establish an organizational structure, project planning, provide consulting on implementing Project Team Organizations, Resourcing Strategies, Resource Management, PMO & Construction Management Team development, and Onboarding & Mobilization for large scale Capital Projects both domestically and globally.

By engaging with the young minds who are interested in the path of Project Management by guiding them towards the appropriate channels and approaches, sharing day-to-day experiences at the job, and required skills in the industry these students can gain knowledge to build a good foundation towards launching a fruitful career.

Join this session on December 1st from 4 – 6 PM to gain knowledge from the experts that will help you launch your career in this field.

Save your spot and see more details of the program on HireCentennial.

Know more about the speaker: