September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On this day, we recognize the ongoing trauma caused by residential and day schools, and remember those who were lost, survivors and their families. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, reconciliation and justice with First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Elliot Lake and across Canada, as well as take action to heal and build a better future together.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its Calls to Action

There were 140 federally run Indian Residential Schools which operated in Canada between 1831 and 1998. The last school closed only 23 years ago. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the lasting legacy of harms caused. These efforts culminated in:
• the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
• apologies by the government
• the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
• the creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the Indian Residential Schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has become the permanent archive for the statements, documents and other materials the Commission gathered, and its library and collections are the foundation for ongoing learning and research.

The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. This holiday was proposed “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.”

What can I do?

Reconciliation is the responsibility of every Canadian. It means acknowledging the past and ensuring history never repeats itself by respecting Indigenous treaties and rights, and letting go of negative perceptions and stereotypes to work towards solidarity. Reflect on how you can work towards reconciliation in your own life and create your own personal reconciliation plan.

Participate

• Wear orange on September 30 for Orange Shirt Day, established by the Orange Shirt Society in 2013 to honour “Phyllis’s story“

• Learn about Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada through a free course offered by the University of Alberta 

• Attend Indigenous cultural events open to the public, through WC Eaket school in Blind River -National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Activity Week

• Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – In the Spirit of Reconciliation: Georgian College, in partnership with Indigenous Services, presents a virtual conversation with Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Honourary Witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Hearings, about what post-secondary institutions can do to honour the spirit of reconciliation. 

Mental Health Resources and Supports

Former Residential School students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.

Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat.
Native youth may reach out for help through the Native Youth Crisis Line at 1-877-209-1266

Websites to visit

Mississauga First Nation 
Serpent River First Nation
Orange Shirt Day/Phyllis’ Story
Government of Canada National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Unforgotten is a series of educational films and toolkits funded by the Canadian Medical Association