A commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Since 2021, our country has come together as a nation, united in our commitment to remember and honour the children who were tragically taken from their families, and sent to residential schools. It is a day to recognize the survivors and their families, their resilience, their strength, and their enduring spirit, as far too many never returned home.
The scars left by the 140 federally run residential schools in Canada from 1867 to 1996 run deep. The immense harm caused to Indigenous children cannot be ignored or forgotten. Thanks to the brave survivors who fought for recognition, reparations, and accountability, the country has begun taking critical steps towards healing and reconciliation, moving forwards with the establishment of The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. They serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us in our ongoing learning and research.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, with its 94 calls to action, is a testament to the strength and courage of every survivor and their families. Their painful stories, shared with unwavering bravery, have served as a vital step towards truth and justice.
In communities across Canada, various activities are being organized to honour the history and legacy of residential schools. These initiatives invite us to come together, to listen, to learn, and to support one another. Truth and Reconciliation Week offers an exceptional bilingual educational program accessible to all schools, a chance to spread awareness and understanding.
Our community will gather on Sept. 28
In partnership with Indigenous communities, the Athabasca Tribal Council and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, there will be a Community Gathering and Walk to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The gathering begins at 10 am and is taking place on Thursday, Sept. 28 in an effort to allow local schools and other groups to participate.
"The effect of the Residential School System continues to have a long-lasting impact on our families and communities. The truth is that we must support community members as they continue to heal," said Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council and Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. "Join us September 28th as we show the survivors, their families and those dealing with the intergenerational trauma that Every Child Matters and that they matter."
Click here for more information about this upcoming event.
The journey has just begun
Reconciliation is a journey that requires the active collaboration of all Canadians. We must join forces with First Nations, Métis Nation, Inuit, provinces, territories, settlement agreement parties, and other partners. By implementing the recommendations set forth by the TRC, we can foster true healing and create a more inclusive Canada for everyone.
As we commemorate these atrocities, let us don orange attire or don beaded orange shirt necklaces in solidarity with the survivors, families, and communities. Together, we can be a beacon of hope, radiating orange light from the buildings throughout our great nation.
For those seeking more resources, there are numerous avenues to explore:
Learn about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Discover the programs supporting the reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous languages.
Understand the contributions of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada's history.
Explore how the Government of Canada is actively advancing reconciliation and building a nation-to-nation relationship.
Join in the conversation on social media, using hashtags like #NDTR, #TruthAndReconciliation, and #OrangeShirtDay. Let your voice be heard as we collectively strive towards healing, understanding, and a more inclusive Canada.
There are also federally funded mental health supports available for former Residential School Survivors who are invited to contact the crisis referral services and health support information line at 1-866-925-4419, and all Indigenous peoples nationwide are encouraged to access 24/7 counselling and crisis intervention via The Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310.
On this National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let us stand together, hand in hand, honouring the past, embracing the present, and forging a better future. Together, we can create a Canada where the wounds of the past are healed, and where all voices and cultures are celebrated and respected.