Tuesday September 30, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC [Posted at 11:16 am PT | Updated 1:57 pm]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in its fifth year.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is recognized every year on September 30.
Also known as Orange Shirt Day (based on the experience of a residential school survivor), the day recognizes the truth of the experience of residential schools and lasting trauma and damage that was caused.
Governor General Mary Simon reminds that this is the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Final Report.
In Ottawa today Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered remarks at a commemorative event for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Earlier today his office released a statement in which the prime minister encourages Canadians to “reflect on the devastating legacy and the ongoing impacts of the residential school system”.
“While it’s vital that we build, it is more important — it is vital how we build — with Indigenous leadership, prosperity, opportunity — these must be foundational from the start,” said Carney about including Indigenous peoples in growing the Canadian economy.
“As a government and as a people, we match remembrance with responsibility,” said Carney with a list of where the federal government is taking action.
Yesterday Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe apologized for the province’s role in Île-à-la-Crosse Residential School. Moe announced that the government has reached an agreement in principle to pay $40.2 million to former students of the institution.
Leadership messages on September 30:
Various leaders have issued messages today:
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre in his message today acknowledges how First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have passed down traditions, culture and stories to bind their generations together. He calls the residential school system an “abuse of state power that tore families apart, silenced languages and shattered lives”.
“True reconciliation is about restoring control to Indigenous peoples over their own lives — control that should always have been theirs — and partnering to deliver real results,” says Poilievre.
The Green Party of Canada calls for Canada to end the mass incarceration of Indigenous persons. The Greens want to see detailed annual reports that monitor and evaluate progress in eliminating over-representation of Aboriginal people in custody over the next decade.
The federal NDP today announced their lineup of critics for the Fall session in the House of Commons. Lori Idlout, MP (Nunavut) as critic for Indigenous Affairs released a statement today. “We acknowledge the residential school system was a genocide designed to wipe out First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, languages, families and heritage,” she said. “New Democrats acknowledge this history was hidden from Canadians and we encourage all to use this day to learn about the history of residential schools and the strength and courage of Indigenous people who share their stories and experiences.”
NDP Leader Don Davies will be in Vancouver today, taking part in a ceremony at 1 pm with the theme “Honouring the Past, Healing the Present, Inspiring the Future”.
BC Premier David Eby in a statement today recounted the tragedy of children “who never returned home from residential school” and that BC stands with “the survivors of these depraved institutions and the survivors of the intergenerational trauma that started within their walls”.
“Our government is committed to addressing all forms of anti-Indigenous racism and continuing to work toward truth and reconciliation,” said Eby in his statement today. That includes continuing to implement BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, simplifying and honouring the voices and advocacy of survivors, ensuring all K-12 students complete Indigenous-focused coursework and addressing Indigenous-specific racism in public politics, programs and services.
The BC Conservative caucus says today is “a solemn reminder of Residential Schools and their lasting impacts on Indigenous Peoples”. In a statement from Scott McInnis, MLA (Columbia River-Revelstoke) as Critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the party stands for “an ongoing journey that requires listening, learning and acting together”. The party is calling for “practical solutions and inclusive partnerships”.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce posted in social media: “We will continue to strive to foster a meaningful and inclusive business community that embraces Indigenous culture and knowledge and that promotes economic reconciliation.”
The Coalition for First Nations for Finfish Stewardship issued a statement reaffirming their position that decisions about salmon aquaculture in coastal territories rests solely with Rights Holder Nations.
===== RELATED:
- Rustad’s aim to repeal DRIPA is a step backward says Indigenous rights advocate (September 26, 2025)
- Canada Day 2025 has a different vibe (June 30, 2025)
- Thoughts & action on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 (September 30, 2024)
- NEWS SECTIONS: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES | NATIONAL TRUTH & RECONCILIATION