National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2021
Today, September 30th, marks the first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. As defined by the Federal government, this day is meant to “honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process”.
We hope that all communities and organizations — notably the government and media — take this opportunity to reflect on the ways that systemic racism and cultural genocide continue to harm Indigenous Peoples across the country. Most importantly, we must all commit to unlearning our whitewashed history and undertaking specific actions to reduce harm and build a safe environment in which Indigenous communities may thrive.
You can visit these two websites to dig deeper into the meaning of this day and what you can do:
We encourage CCR members to familiarize themselves with both calls on Indigenous Peoples (94 calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation commission and 231 Calls to Justice by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) and implement those that refer directly to newcomers and directions to civil society.