National Truth and Reconciliation Day, observed annually on September 30, is a day of reflection, remembrance, and healing for the Indigenous peoples of Canada, their families, and communities. Established as a federal holiday in 2021, this day recognizes the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada and serves as an important step toward healing and reconciliation for the survivors, their families, and future generations. But who started National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and what were the events and actions that led to its creation?
A Long Struggle for Recognition and Justice
The creation of National Truth and Reconciliation Day cannot be traced to a single individual or event. Rather, it is the result of decades of advocacy, activism, and the tireless efforts of Indigenous leaders, survivors of the residential school system, and allies who have fought for justice, healing, and recognition of the wrongs done to Indigenous peoples in Canada. To understand who started National Truth and Reconciliation Day, one must first examine the history of the residential school system, the long road toward truth and reconciliation, and the pivotal moments and figures that helped shape the movement for national recognition.
The Legacy of Residential Schools in Canada
The residential school system was a network of government-funded, church-run schools in Canada that operated from the 19th century until the late 20th century. These schools were established with the goal of forcibly assimilating Indigenous children into European-Canadian culture, often through cruel and inhumane methods. Indigenous children were taken from their families, prohibited from speaking their languages, and subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
The Canadian government and religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, were responsible for the administration and operation of these schools. Over the years, the devastating impact of residential schools became increasingly evident. Survivors, families, and communities have shared stories of trauma, loss, and cultural destruction. The effects of this system continue to reverberate today, contributing to the social, psychological, and economic challenges faced by many Indigenous peoples.
The history of residential schools is not just a painful chapter in Canada’s past but a continuing reality for many survivors and their families. The journey toward acknowledging and addressing this dark legacy is one that has involved numerous advocates, organizations, and individuals working to ensure that the truth is told and that meaningful reconciliation is achieved.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
One of the most significant milestones in the movement for justice and reconciliation was the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada. The TRC was established in 2008 as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, a class action lawsuit settlement between the Canadian government, churches, and residential school survivors. The TRC’s mandate was to document the experiences of residential school survivors, promote public awareness about the legacy of these institutions, and make recommendations for the healing and reconciliation of Indigenous communities.
The TRC held hearings across Canada, gathering testimony from survivors, their families, and communities. Its final report, released in 2015, contained 94 Calls to Action, which provided concrete recommendations for addressing the ongoing effects of residential schools and moving forward with reconciliation. One of the key recommendations in the TRC’s final report was the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Calls for a National Day of Remembrance
The idea of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was one of the TRC’s most important recommendations. In its final report, the Commission recognized the need for a national day of reflection, remembrance, and commitment to the ongoing work of reconciliation. The Commission noted that such a day would provide an opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to learn about the history and impact of residential schools, acknowledge the harm done to Indigenous communities, and reflect on how to contribute to the healing process.
The TRC’s recommendation for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation resonated deeply with survivors, Indigenous leaders, and advocacy organizations. Many had been calling for such a day for years, as part of a broader movement to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and promote understanding and healing.
In the years following the release of the TRC’s final report, advocates continued to push for the implementation of this key recommendation. Organizations like the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), the National Indigenous Congress (CIC), and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) voiced strong support for a National Day, and their advocacy was instrumental in bringing the issue to the forefront of national discussions.
The Role of Survivors and Indigenous Leaders
While many people and organizations played important roles in advocating for the creation of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the efforts of residential school survivors themselves were central to the movement. Survivors of the residential school system have long fought for recognition, justice, and healing. Their voices were critical in shaping the national conversation about the legacy of residential schools and the need for a day of reflection.
One of the most well-known and influential advocates for the creation of a National Day was Murray Sinclair, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Sinclair, a former senator and a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, is an Indigenous lawyer and judge who spent years leading the TRC and listening to the testimony of residential school survivors. Sinclair was a tireless advocate for the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and for the broader goals of reconciliation.
Another key figure in the movement was Cindy Blackstock, an Indigenous child rights advocate and executive director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. Blackstock has been outspoken about the need for systemic changes to address the inequities faced by Indigenous children and families, and she has been an advocate for the establishment of a National Day as part of the broader effort to recognize and address the wrongs done to Indigenous peoples.
These leaders, along with many others, helped raise awareness about the importance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and pushed for its inclusion in Canada’s national calendar.
The Creation of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
The push for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation gained momentum in the years following the TRC’s final report. As the conversation around reconciliation continued to evolve, the Canadian government began to take steps toward implementing some of the TRC’s recommendations. In 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced legislation to create a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a move that was widely supported by Indigenous leaders and advocacy groups.
On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to Establish National Truth and Reconciliation Day, was passed in the House of Commons. This legislation officially recognized September 30 as a federal statutory holiday, marking the first step toward institutionalizing the day as a time for reflection, education, and healing. The bill was a significant victory for survivors, Indigenous leaders, and the broader movement for reconciliation.
The decision to set the date on September 30 was not arbitrary. This date had already been recognized by some Indigenous communities as a day of remembrance for residential school survivors and the children who never returned home. September 30 was the day in 2013 when Orange Shirt Day, a grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools, was first observed. The day is named after the orange shirt of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the St. Joseph’s Mission residential school, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at the school.
The passing of Bill C-5 and the official recognition of National Truth and Reconciliation Day were a direct result of the years of advocacy and activism by Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, and their families. It was a historic moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Canada’s journey toward healing and reconciliation.
The Significance of National Truth and Reconciliation Day
National Truth and Reconciliation Day serves as an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the continuing impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities. It is a day to remember the children who were taken from their families and forced into institutions that sought to erase their cultures, languages, and identities. It is also a day to honor the resilience and strength of the survivors who have fought for recognition, justice, and healing.
In addition to reflecting on the past, National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a call to action for all Canadians. It is a day to learn about the history of residential schools, to listen to the stories of survivors, and to acknowledge the ongoing work that needs to be done to build a more just and equitable society for Indigenous peoples.
The creation of this day is not the end of the journey, but rather a step along the path to healing and reconciliation. The TRC’s Calls to Action, which include the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, provide a framework for ongoing work to address the systemic issues that continue to affect Indigenous communities. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is a reminder that reconciliation is a long-term process that requires commitment, education, and collective action.
Conclusion
National Truth and Reconciliation Day was not the result of a single individual’s efforts but rather the culmination of years of advocacy, activism, and the work of survivors, Indigenous leaders, and allies. It was established through the tireless efforts of those who fought for justice, recognition, and healing for the survivors of residential schools and their families. The day serves as an important reminder of the need for reflection, education, and ongoing action toward reconciliation.
As Canadians observe National Truth and Reconciliation Day each year, they are called to reflect on the past, acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and commit to the work of healing and reconciliation. It is a day to remember, a day to learn, and a day to take meaningful steps toward a more just and equitable future for all Canadians.
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