Credit: CanadasHistory.ca
This year marks the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day to honour First Nations, Inuit and Metis survivors and communities.
To recognize and reflect on the past Indigenous peoples faced with residential schools and long-term trauma that affected many.
In June, the legislation was passed through the federal government to dedicate September 30 as National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
As a dedicated day to remember the history and honour Indigenous peoples, Grand Chief Joel Abram highlights the importance of the reasoning behind a day to reflect and acknowledge the history of Indigenous peoples.
“You know if you talk to any survivors or read any reports or stories by survivors, they’ll tell you a whole different story. There were a lot of horrific things going on.”
When thinking about the trauma and abuse Indigenous communities faced, Abram notes for non-Indigenous people to recognize if the trauma Indigenous people faced happened to themselves.
“What if it was their kids that was forcefully removed by police or you face arrest and your kids never came home, and finding out that they were abused for speaking in their language they grew up speaking. I think it’s a lack of putting themselves in someone else’s shoes because at this point, there’s enough information out there that’s verified, and finding out all of these children’s bodies have kind of doubled down on that. You know, nowadays I think there’s no excuse for that kind of behaviour.”
Credit: Orange Shirt Day
A powerful point of Truth and Reconciliation day is to acknowledge the past but to also take steps in changing the future for Indigenous peoples.
“Even though survivors have been saying these stories for years, it didn’t really click in with the Canadian consciousness until all these unmarked graves and masked graves were found.” shares Abram.
On September 30, London will be taking part with London City Hall and the JA Taylor Building being lit up as orange in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with an “Every Child Matters” flag also raised at City Hall.
Mayor Ed Holder encourages Londoners to recognize residential school survivors and their families with the need for truth and reconciliation.
“Education, compassion and understanding the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools and the continued impacts on Indigenous peoples, their families, their communities and cultures lies at the heart of reconciliation for all Canadians.”
Londoners are also motivated to wear orange to reflect the day and are able to donate and find resources at Orange Shirt Day online.
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