Monday September 30, 2024 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada.
The expectation for having made this a national holiday is that people will take time to reflect on the damage that happened and resulted from the treatment of Indigenous peoples in Canada in times past and continuing in various ways in times present.
‘More than words’, people are asked to reflect and take action where they can.
There are 94 Calls to Action as set forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Exploring the truth:
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says “we confront the lasting and painful impact of the residential school system on First Nations, Inuit and Métis in our country”, and “we remember the children who never returned home”. He remarks that wearing orange today is one way to honour every child who suffered or lost their life.
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says in a statement today that “the residential school system was a genocide” that was “designed to wipe out First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures, languages, families and heritage”. Singh will be in Thunder Bay today attending the Honouring our Children Run and the Sacred Fire Ceremony, as well as a tree planting closing ceremony and the Fort William First Nation feast.
- Rachel Blaney, MP (North Island-Powell River): On National #TRC Day, I wish for hope & healing for all Inuit, Métis, and First Nations Peoples and give thanks to all who help keep the stories alive to guide us to healing, incl elders & knowledge-keepers, and all survivors and their loved ones who have shared their stories.
- Native Women’s Association of Canada: “Every child matters. On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, let’s reflect on and remember the inexcusable harm done to generations of children by the residential school system.”
- The Bank of Canada: “We join Canadians across the country to recognize the National Day for #TruthAndReconciliation and acknowledge the repercussions of residential school systems.”
Other comments on this 2024 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
- Island Health: “On #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation, take a moment to learn and honour the rich history of Indigenous peoples in your communities. Understanding & respecting Indigenous traditions, languages & rights is crucial for building a more inclusive & equitable society.”
- Colin Plant, Chair, Capital Regional District (CRD): “Today we honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Today I will spend the day listening to those willing to share their stories.”
- Mark Marissen, urbanist: “Reconciliation must create a more equitable and inclusive society by closing the gaps in social, health, and economic outcomes that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.”
- Philip Steenkamp, President, Royal Roads University. “Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes my commitment to reconciliation — both personally and as part of our shared responsibility at @RoyalRoads. We all have the opportunity to take meaningful action.”
Fourth year:
As more awareness and information about residential schools has come to light, in 2021 the federal government designated September 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In 2024, National Truth and Reconciliation week is in its fourth year.
The September 30 date was declared a statutory federal holiday with the passage of Bill C-5 in June 2021, in response to one of the 94 Calls to Action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The federal government says National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important step in the reconciliation process, now being recognized and participated in across Canada.
The day provides an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and to honour their survivors, their families and communities.
Wearing orange:
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Wearing orange on September 30 is a way of honouring the work of National Truth and Reconciliation.
Taking action:
- What have you done or what are you planning to do differently?
- What is your contribution to truth-telling?
- Which truths have you surfaced or told and how have you gone about addressing this head-on and/or reconciling it?
- How are you holding others accountable to truth-telling so things can be reconciled?
Resources:
- OrangeShirtDay.org
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Government of Canada, Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Government of Canada, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Beyond 94: Truth and Reconciliation in Canada
Immediate support:
- The National Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience.