What is Truth and Reconciliation Day?

Truth and Reconciliation Day is an important commemoration in Canada, honouring the victims and survivors of residential schools and promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The day, celebrated annually on September 30, was established to raise awareness of the impacts of assimilation policies and human rights violations against Indigenous children.

Historical context

Canada operated a system of residential schools for Indigenous children from the 19th century until the late 1990s. These schools were often run by churches and funded by the federal government. The goal was to assimilate Indigenous children by separating them from their families and culture. Conditions in these schools were often deplorable, with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse widely documented. This system left deep scars on Indigenous communities, affecting generations of people.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In 2007, the Canadian government launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to examine the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous peoples. The TRC collected testimony from survivors and released its final report in 2015, which included 94 calls to action to advance reconciliation. One of the results of the commission was the creation of Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Meaning of the day

This day has several objectives:

1. Recognition and Remembrance : It acknowledges the pain and suffering of residential school victims and survivors. It is a time to remember the children who were taken from their families and to honour those who never returned home.

2. Awareness : It seeks to raise awareness among the general public about the stories and realities experienced by Indigenous peoples, as well as past and present injustices.

3. Reconciliation : It encourages open dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, fostering greater understanding and mutual respect. Reconciliation involves concrete actions to correct injustices and build relationships based on fairness and respect.

How to celebrate the day

Truth and Reconciliation Day is often marked by various activities such as ceremonies, educational events, discussions and marches. Many people wear orange clothing to symbolize solidarity with residential school survivors, in reference to the TRC’s “Every Child Matters” campaign.

Conclusion

Truth and Reconciliation Day is a critical time to reflect on Canada’s history, honour the victims of residential schools, and work together toward a more equitable future. It reminds us all of the importance of listening, empathy, and engagement in the reconciliation process, in order to build bridges across cultures and respect the diversity of voices that make up the Canadian landscape.