What is Truth and Reconciliation Day?

C-est-quoi-la-journée-de-vérité-et-réconciliation Artisanat Autochtone


Truth and Reconciliation Day is an important commemoration in Canada, intended to honour the victims and survivors of residential schools and to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This day, observed annually on September 30, was established to raise public awareness of the consequences of assimilation policies and human rights violations inflicted upon Indigenous children.

Historical context

Canada operated a residential school system for Indigenous children from the 19th century until the late 1990s. These institutions were often run by churches and subsidized by the federal government. The goal was to assimilate Indigenous children by separating them from their families and cultures. Conditions in these schools were often deplorable, with widespread physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. This system left deep scars on Indigenous communities, affecting generations of people.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

In 2007, the Canadian government launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to examine the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples. The TRC collected testimonies from survivors and published its final report in 2015, which included 94 Calls to Action to promote reconciliation. The creation of Truth and Reconciliation Day is one of the outcomes of this commission.

Meaning of the day

This day aims to achieve several objectives:

1. Recognition and Remembrance : This allows us to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the victims and survivors of residential schools. It is a time to remember the children who were taken from their families and to honor those who never returned home.

2. Awareness : It seeks to raise public awareness of the stories and realities experienced by Indigenous peoples, as well as past and present injustices.

3. Reconciliation : It encourages open dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, fostering greater understanding and mutual respect. Reconciliation involves concrete actions to redress injustices and build relationships based on fairness and respect.

How to celebrate the day

Truth and Reconciliation Day is often marked by various activities such as ceremonies, educational events, discussions, and marches. Many people wear orange clothing to symbolize solidarity with residential school survivors, in reference to the "Every Child Matters" campaign launched by the TRC.

Conclusion

Truth and Reconciliation Day is a crucial moment to reflect on Canada's history, honour the victims of residential schools, and work together toward a more equitable future. It reminds everyone of the importance of listening, empathy, and engagement in the reconciliation process, in order to build bridges between cultures and respect the diversity of voices that make up the Canadian landscape.

Foire aux questions

Q1: What is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and when is it celebrated?
R1: This is an important commemoration in Canada aimed at honouring the victims and survivors of the residential school system. It is celebrated every year on September 30. It was established following the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Q2: What is the main objective of this Day?
R2: The objective is twofold: 1) To recognize and honor the pain, suffering, and memory of Indigenous children who were taken from their families, as well as the survivors. 2) To raise public awareness of past and present injustices, and to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Q3: What is the historical context of residential schools for Indigenous children in Canada?
R3: The residential school system, in place from the 19th century until the late 1990s, was an assimilation policy of the Canadian government, often run by churches. Indigenous children were separated from their culture and families, suffering physical, emotional, and sexual abuse that left deep scars on the communities.