National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Today is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

Today we honour the children whose childhood was stolen from them and who never made it to home. We acknowledge their past and effects of residential school. We listen to their stories and reiterate our commitment to build a better Canada for everyone.

Both the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place today.

Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots initiative led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the inter-generational effects of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities, while emphasising the message that “Every Child Matters”.

The early origins of residential schools in Canada can be traced back to the establishment of the mission system in the 1600s. By the 1880s, the government, in alignment with federal assimilation policies, began setting up residential schools nationwide. Children were often taken far from their home communities to separate them from their families and familiar environments. The Indian Act made it compulsory for Indigenous children to attend residential schools, while attending other educational institutions became illegal.

Physical punishment was frequently imposed in these schools. Survivors have recounted experiencing violence and beatings. These abuses, along with poor sanitation and severely inadequate food and healthcare, led to a tragically high death rate.

Although these institutions have since been closed, their legacy persists. Both survivors and their descendants continue to experience intergenerational trauma, including the loss of language, culture, traditional teachings, and overall mental and spiritual well-being.

We must always remember the injustices suffered by Indigenous Peoples at residential schools and the lasting intergenerational trauma that continues today.

Prime Minister has been doing so much for Indigenous peoples. He has made historic investments. He has worked closely with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit leaders to implement The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, with many actions already completed or underway.

In education, he is working with residential school survivors, Indigenous communities, provinces, territories, and educators to incorporate Indigenous and treaty rights, the history of residential schools, and Indigenous contributions into school curricula.

His government has also focused on violence prevention, providing shelters and support for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals facing gender-based violence. Furthermore, investments have been made in building and refurbishing schools to ensure that thousands of Indigenous children receive a better education. Additionally, water advisories have also been lifted.

While the opposition, Poilievre, thinks that Indigenous people need to understand the value of hard work. He was also sharply criticised after his speech to First Nations.

Today, we should wear orange and listen to the indigenous stories of survival, as they confront their past to heal, and show them that we love them and are here for them.