“Canadian Communities Unite to Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”
Seas of orange flooded events across Canada on Saturday as Canadians came together to acknowledge the deep-rooted systemic oppression endured by Indigenous people and to observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal statutory holiday, which was adapted from the grassroots movement known as Orange Shirt Day, serves as a solemn recognition of the abuse suffered by Inuit, First Nations, and Métis individuals at the hands of state- and church-run residential schools.
Remembering the Consequences of the Residential School System
At an emotional ceremony in Ottawa, Chief Dylan Whiteduck of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the residential school system. He specifically emphasized the loss of Indigenous language speakers, a lingering effect that continues to be felt today. In his powerful address, Chief Whiteduck expressed the aspirations of First Nations communities: prosperity, a sustainable future, and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. He called on attendees to work together towards economic reconciliation and the transformation of their nation, not just for the present, but for the next seven generations.
A Symbolic Tribute to Victims of Residential Schools
Residential school survivors and Indigenous leaders were among the hundreds of people who gathered at Parliament Hill for a commemorative event, where the scent of smudge wafted through the air. Notably, a red banner bearing the names of children who did not return home from residential schools was carried through the crowd, prompting everyone to rise as a sign of respect. Attendees were invited to place shoes on the stage as a gesture of remembrance for the affected children. Within minutes, the front of the platform was transformed into a poignant display of moccasins and other footwear, representing the lives that were tragically lost.
The Evolution of the National Holiday
The establishment of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a federal statutory holiday arose as a response to one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action. The call for this holiday intensified after unmarked graves were uncovered near a former residential school site in Kamloops, British Columbia. This holiday represents an evolution of Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative that began in 2013. The movement draws inspiration from Phyllis Webstad’s personal experience of having her cherished orange shirt confiscated upon arrival at a residential school.
Implementing Further Calls to Action
Joanna Bernard, interim national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, seized the opportunity to urge the government to implement the remaining calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She emphasized that reconciliation requires ongoing efforts to establish and maintain respectful relationships, which includes taking concrete actions aligned with the commission’s recommendations. Currently, only 13 of the 94 calls to action have been completed, with three of them achieved within the past year.
Reflecting Nationwide Observances
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events were held throughout the country, with notable gatherings such as powwows taking place in Victoria, Winnipeg, and Toronto. In Montreal, a group donning orange attire marched from the base of Mount Royal to the site where a statue of Canada’s first prime minister, John A. Macdonald, once stood before being toppled in 2020. Given his role in designing the residential school system, this act aimed to draw attention to a dark chapter in Canada’s history. Ann Deer, Resilience Montreal Board Director, expressed hope that such events would serve as a stark reminder to the general public about the atrocities that occurred in the past, emphasizing the need to learn from history to avoid repeating it.
A Day of Reflection and Commemoration
As part of the observances, both the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg and the Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa offered free admission. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was in Saskatchewan to mark the day, emphasized the importance of listening to survivors and confronting the denialism that threatens to overshadow the truth. Acknowledging the injustices committed against Indigenous peoples and the lasting intergenerational trauma, Trudeau emphasized the necessity of unearthing the entire truth in a time where denialism is on the rise.
In conclusion, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation represents a collective effort by Canadians to confront the painful history of residential schools and work towards healing, justice, and reconciliation. By remembering the past and actively addressing its painful legacy, Canadians can contribute to a future that upholds the rights and dignity of all Indigenous peoples. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done and the importance of ongoing efforts to build meaningful relationships, implement the commission’s recommendations, and create lasting change.
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