National Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed on September 30th, is a day of profound importance in Canada, particularly for Indigenous peoples and their allies. It is a day to honour the survivors of residential schools, remember those who never made it home, and recognize the painful legacy of colonization and systemic injustice that Indigenous peoples have endured. This national day of remembrance, reflection, and education is a significant step toward healing and creating a more equitable future for all Canadians.
In this article, we will explore the history of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, how it was established, and its deeper meanings. We will also discuss the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that laid the groundwork for this observance and the various ways Canadians can engage with this day to support Indigenous communities.
Historical Context: Canada’s Residential School System
The Legacy of Residential Schools
Before diving into the origins of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, it is essential to understand the context that led to its creation. The residential school system was a network of government-funded, church-run institutions established in the 19th century to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture.
The Impact on Indigenous Communities
The schools operated for over a century, with the last one closing in 1996. More than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were taken from their families and communities to attend these institutions. The schools were notorious for widespread physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and severe cultural suppression. Children were prohibited from speaking their languages, practicing their cultural traditions, and connecting with their families.
The consequences of this system have been devastating, contributing to intergenerational trauma, broken family ties, and significant socio-economic disparities that continue to affect Indigenous communities today.
The Push for Truth and Reconciliation
The need for truth and reconciliation grew out of a desire to address the deep wounds left by the residential school system. Indigenous leaders, survivors, and advocates fought for years to have their stories heard and recognized. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) in 2008, as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Mandate of the TRC
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was charged with investigating the history and lasting impacts of the residential school system. Over the course of six years, the TRC held hearings across the country, during which survivors and their families shared their stories of trauma and survival. The TRC’s work was a critical step in bringing to light the experiences of Indigenous peoples affected by residential schools.
Key Goals of the TRC:
Documenting the Truth: Gathering testimonies from survivors to create a historical record of the residential school experience.
Promoting Reconciliation: Encouraging Canadians to acknowledge the harm caused and work towards repairing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Making Recommendations: In 2015, the TRC released its final report, including 94 Calls to Action, which provided a roadmap for reconciliation efforts in areas such as education, health, justice, and child welfare.
The “Calls to Action” and the Origins of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
One of the most significant outcomes of the TRC’s work was its 94 Calls to Action, which laid out concrete steps for governments, institutions, and individuals to take in the journey toward reconciliation. Among these recommendations was Call to Action #80, which called for the creation of a statutory holiday to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember those who did not return home.
Call to Action #80 specifically recommended a national day of commemoration to ensure that the tragic history and legacy of residential schools are never forgotten. This call was an important step in acknowledging the ongoing impact of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples and in promoting public awareness and education about Canada’s colonial history.
The Road to National Truth and Reconciliation Day
The Establishment of Orange Shirt Day
Before the creation of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a grassroots movement known as Orange Shirt Day played a crucial role in raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a residential school survivor who, at the age of six, had her new orange shirt taken from her upon arriving at school. The shirt represented a piece of her identity, and its loss symbolized the broader loss of culture and connection experienced by Indigenous children in the residential school system.
The Rise of Orange Shirt Day
Launched in 2013, Orange Shirt Day became a powerful symbol of the harm caused by residential schools and a way for communities across Canada to come together in support of survivors. The orange shirt itself became a visible representation of the ongoing process of reconciliation, reminding Canadians that “every child matters.”
The growing recognition of Orange Shirt Day and the TRC’s Call to Action #80 led to the formal establishment of National Truth and Reconciliation Day in 2021. The creation of this national day of reflection was an important milestone in Canada’s efforts to address the historical wrongs of the residential school system.
The Formal Recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
On June 3, 2021, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation to officially designate September 30th as National Truth and Reconciliation Day. This day was chosen to coincide with Orange Shirt Day, highlighting the shared themes of remembrance, reflection, and education.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day became a federally recognized statutory holiday, providing an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the legacy of residential schools and honour the resilience of Indigenous peoples. The day is now marked by various events, activities, and educational initiatives designed to foster understanding and support healing.
The Significance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
A Day of Remembrance
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is, first and foremost, a day to remember the children who attended residential schools, particularly those who never returned home. It serves as a time to reflect on the pain and suffering experienced by survivors and their families, as well as the lasting impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Honouring Survivors
Survivor Testimonies: The stories shared by residential school survivors are central to the observance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. By listening to these testimonies, Canadians can better understand the emotional and psychological scars left by the residential school system.
Acknowledge the Pain: National Truth and Reconciliation Day acknowledges the trauma that still affects Indigenous families and communities today, emphasizing the importance of healing and support.
A Day of Learning and Education
One of the primary goals of National Truth and Reconciliation Day is to educate Canadians about the history and legacy of residential schools. Many people are still unaware of the extent of the harm caused by these institutions, and the day provides an opportunity to confront uncomfortable truths and work toward a more just society.
Engaging in Reconciliation
Educational Resources: Schools, workplaces, and community organizations are encouraged to use National Truth and Reconciliation Day as a time for learning. Educational programs, films, workshops, and discussions about the residential school system and Indigenous history are often organized in conjunction with the day.
Supporting Indigenous Voices: National Truth and Reconciliation Day also highlights the importance of listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices. Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and advocating for policy changes that promote equity and justice are essential steps in the reconciliation process.
A Day for Action
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is not just a day for remembrance and education; it is also a call to action. Canadians are encouraged to actively participate in the process of reconciliation by supporting Indigenous rights, learning about the history of colonialism, and advocating for meaningful change.
Moving Forward
Implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action: While National Truth and Reconciliation Day is an important step forward, much work remains to be done. The TRC’s Calls to Action provide a comprehensive guide for addressing the lasting impacts of colonialism and promoting reconciliation.
Personal and Collective Responsibility: Reconciliation is not just the responsibility of governments and institutions; it is also the responsibility of individuals. By educating themselves and taking concrete steps to support Indigenous communities, Canadians can contribute to the ongoing journey toward justice and healing.
See also: Is April 15 a Holiday in Canada?
Conclusion
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a powerful reminder of Canada’s colonial history and the lasting trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples. It is a day for reflection, education, and action, offering an opportunity to honour the survivors of residential schools and remember those who never returned. By engaging with the legacy of residential schools and working toward reconciliation, Canadians can help build a future that acknowledges past wrongs and supports healing and justice for all Indigenous peoples.