The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued a statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“Today, as we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, we confront the lasting impacts of the residential school system for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada,” Prime Minister Trudeau stated.
“We come together to remember the children who were stolen from their communities, and those whose lives were stolen from them at these so-called schools. We honour the Survivors, many of whom suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. We listen to their truths, and we reiterate our commitment to building a better future for Indigenous Peoples and for everyone in Canada.”
The Prime Minister added: “Between 1867 and 1998, over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were taken from their families and communities and forced to attend residential schools, where they were banned from speaking their languages and practising their cultures and traditions. As communities continue searching for the children who never came home, the Government of Canada will be there every step of the way to provide them with the resources they need to fully uncover the truth of what happened at residential schools, honour the children who did not return, and support communities as they continue on their healing journeys.”
Trudeau said Canadians must never forget the past and the injustices committed against Indigenous Peoples at residential schools, as well as the intergenerational trauma that remains today.
“Right now, with denialism sadly on the rise, uncovering the whole truth is more important than ever,” he said.
“That is why we appointed the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools, Kimberly Murray, to help facilitate a search process with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis that will respect their needs and concerns as we work together to uncover and uphold the truth of what happened at residential schools.”
The Prime Minister encourages everyone to wear orange in recognition that every child matters and to participate in Indigenous-led events to recognize and reflect on the ongoing legacy of the residential school system.
“Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples – it is the responsibility of all of us,” Trudeau said.
“It’s our responsibility to listen to, learn from, and give space to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis voices and stories, and face the truth of our past to build a fairer, more equitable, and more inclusive Canada for the generations to come.”
Federal officials say if you need someone to talk to, The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers support to all Indigenous Peoples.
Counsellors are available by phone or online chat.
This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
The National Residential School Crisis Line also offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families.
Call the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, also released a statement in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
“On September 30th, people in Ontario and across Canada are observing the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” the statement read.
“It is an opportunity to honour those who survived the Indian Residential School system and remember those who did not make it home. Ontarians are encouraged to take the time today to learn more and reflect on this dark and disturbing period in our country’s history and acknowledge the intergenerational harm it has caused.”
Premier Ford and Minister Rickford added: “Orange Shirt Day is also recognized on September 30th. The day recalls the residential school experience of Phyllis Webstad. Phyllis, a Survivor from the Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, wore an orange shirt gifted to her by her grandmother on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia. The shirt was taken from her when she arrived and never given back, marking the beginning of Phyllis’s long and traumatic separation from her family, culture and heritage.”
Today, Ontario will light a number of government buildings orange, and people across the country will wear orange to honour the more than 150,000 Indigenous children who were forced into Residential Schools, Premier Ford and Minister Rickford said.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, Ontarians are encouraged to take every opportunity today, and throughout the year, to learn more and reflect on the tragic legacy of the Indian Residential School system and its impacts on Indigenous communities.”
Additional Resources
- Ontario.ca/LearnTheLegacy
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
- Orange Shirt Society
- Assembly of First Nations It’s Our Time Toolkit
- Nishnawbe Aski Nation resources
- Woodland Cultural Centre Indigenous Preservation Museum
- Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
- Talk4Healing – a culturally grounded helpline for Indigenous women
- Hope for Wellness Help Line for Indigenous Peoples
