The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, marked every year on September 30, is an occasion to recognize a tragic and painful history that continues to impact many families and communities. It is a day to honour the survivors of residential schools as well as the children who never returned home.
It also reminds us to reflect on our ongoing path toward reconciliation. There can be no reconciliation without understanding our collective past and the impacts of the legacy of residential schools and colonial policies. True reconciliation will only come about when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action are well understood, embodied and the full commitment of the actions are a part of our everyday.
While this a shared journey, it is also an individual journey for each of us. I thank you for all that you do to address the scars of the past and contribute to the healing while we work toward a better future.