'More than selfies in an orange T-shirt’: Canadians urge real action on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Canada's political leaders have released statement on Friday to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, while many Canadians are stressing that this day should include learning and action by all Canadians.
"Today, we mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – an opportunity to come together to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Survivors, their families and communities, as well as commit to continuing the hard, but necessary work to build a better future for all," a statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reads. "Between 1831 and 1998, at least 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend residential schools, where they had to abandon their languages, cultures, spiritualities, traditions, and identities. Many experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and thousands never came home."
It is our shared responsibility to confront the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples, so we can truly move forward together...Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples – it is the responsibility of all Canadians. It is our responsibility to continue to listen and to learn.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also release a statement, highlights that this is "a reminder of the harm caused and the work to be done."
“Today, Canadians across the country honour the children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities," a statement from Singh reads. "We also reflect on our collective history of colonialism and genocide and how it continues to impact Survivors, families and communities today."
"As unmarked graves continue to be uncovered, today is a reminder of the harm caused and the work to be done."
Joined in a Sunrise Ceremony in Ottawa to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Today, we listen to the survivors, remember those - the children - we lost, and commit to continue walking the path of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people. pic.twitter.com/QYYOmDixeg— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) September 30, 2022
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre shared a message on Twitter that states, "today, we listen to the survivors, remember those - the children - we lost, and commit to continue walking the path of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous people."
Several people have also taken to social media to share how to best honour survivors, families and communities impacted by Canada's residential school system.
Today is National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
Our purpose on this day of #TruthAndReconciliation is to honour all of the Survivors, children, families & communities impacted by the Residential School System.
How do we truly honour them?
Through action & not words alone.(1/3) pic.twitter.com/75GZIvpD9G— Jody Wilson-Raybould (JWR), PC, OBC, KC 王州迪 (@Puglaas) September 30, 2022
So, on this National Truth and Reconciliation Day, ask yourself:
What actions will I take to help advance true reconciliation?
By what measure will I know they have been impactful and effective?
How will I continue to act tomorrow, the next day, and into the future? (2/3)— Jody Wilson-Raybould (JWR), PC, OBC, KC 王州迪 (@Puglaas) September 30, 2022
As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are reflecting on the human rights violations which took place within residential schools for 150 years - which included death and even murder. This is irrefutable. pic.twitter.com/whkef2s6uW
— Canadian Museum for Human Rights (@CMHR_News) September 29, 2022
🧵Why is it important to recognize The National Day For Truth and Reconciliation?
When we come together as a community, we can continue our journey and be strong in our traditional ways of knowing, doing and being. Indigenous and non- indigenous people come together...— Bent Arrow (@BentArrowYEG) September 28, 2022
Some of the toughest text I’ve read. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is meant for much more than taking selfies in your orange t-shirt. Listen. Learn. Read. Reflect. Connect. Act. #TruthAndReconciliation pic.twitter.com/ckGTsc2lNA
— Jackie Connell (@jackielconnell) September 29, 2022
The National Residential School Crisis Line 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, 7 days a week.