The event itself didn’t start until 3 p.m. EST, but people dressed in Orange sweaters were already on hand for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Orange shirts have become a symbol of reconciliation, inspired by the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad, a residential school survivor, who described having a brand new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school and was never returned to him.
Residential school survivors and Indigenous leaders are among those scheduled to attend the Ottawa event.
Governor General Mary Simon, who is scheduled to attend the ceremony on Parliament Hill, also hosted a sacred fire ceremony in the morning at Rideau Hall.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to attend events, said in a statement that people need to listen to survivors and their stories of “unspeakable abuse” they suffered in residential schools.
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Indigenous communities on the path to healing, and its priority is to support them at every stage of their journey. Indeed, we will continue our collaboration with them to help them identify children who have not returned from residential schools, to identify and commemorate anonymous burial sites and to pay tribute to those who have disappeared,” he wrote.
“Today and every day, I invite Canadians to reflect on the irreversible legacy of residential schools, to participate in activities organized by Indigenous people in their communities as part of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, to learn more about the stories of Survivors and to wear an orange item of clothing in tribute to each child who suffered or lost their life.”
– Justin Trudeau
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre participated in a ceremony with Indigenous leaders as well as the party’s spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Indigenous Services, MP Jamie Schmale.
In a statement, Mr. Poilievre recalled “the dark history of government abuse of power” which has caused lasting suffering to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
“Indigenous peoples must have the freedom to determine their future, preserve their languages, develop their resources, use their talents and celebrate their cultures,” he added. Through a new approach and the unparalleled resilience of Indigenous peoples, Canada can achieve reconciliation and a better future for all.”
More than 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools, and many survivors have described the horrific abuse they suffered to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
An estimated 6,000 children died while attending these schools, although experts say the real number could be much higher.
