The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30th was created to recognize and commemorate the legacy of residential schools, which more than 150,000 First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were forced to attend between the 1870s and 1997.
The idea of having such a day was one of the 94 recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, which was released in June 2015.
The move came shortly after the remains of approximately 215 children were discovered in late May by the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.
More remains have been found since then, and more searches are underway across the country. The original report estimated that 6,000 children died while attending the schools, although many people expect the number to be much higher.
In addition to acknowledging the impact of residential and day-schools, many are also recognizing the history of Indian Residential Hospitals that separated families and contributed additional trauma to Indigenous peoples.
This holiday allows us to set aside special time in our day-to-day lives to honour, reflect, and learn. It gives us an opportunity to reflect on healing and work with health authorities, other governments including other Indigenous Governments and others to create an environment free from racism and discrimination, and where all people feel safe and respected.
-Hope for Wellness Help Line
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer:
- counselling
- crisis intervention
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
#NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay - participate, learn and reflect about reconciliation on this important day. Learn more on Government of Canada's website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
Resources on mental health supports are available on the link above. #Tlicho
Chekoa hazǫǫ̀ gıt'àhoèɂà hǫt'e.
Masi Cho.