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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation arrives amid ongoing calls for action and justice

The significance of Sept. 30 and how to authentically participate in reconciliation

ALYSSA MARKS

Earlier this year, the House of Commons recognized Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and approved it as a statutory holiday for federal employees on Sept. 30.

This day is an opportunity for Canadians to reflect, educate, and recognize the history of residential schools and colonialism in Canada.

The federal holiday was created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 80th Call to Action, which states:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was designed to investigate the history and effects of residential schools on Indigenous peoples. It provided an opportunity for those directly and indirectly affected by residential schools to share their perspectives and create a comprehensive reconciliation plan and historical report.

The TRC published a document outlining 94 Calls to Action for the Canadian government and other implicated parties to further reconcile their relationship with Indigenous peoples. These Calls to Action address issues such as child welfare, education, language and culture, health, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, justice, the legal system, church apologies and reconciliation, and more.

Of the 94 Calls to Action, CBC News reports that as of Sept. 27, 2021, 13 have been completed, 29 are in progress with projects currently underway, 32 are in progress with projects proposed, and 20 have not yet been started.

Throughout the year, provinces and territories have announced whether they would participate in this statutory holiday. CBC News reports that British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories have chosen to mandate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory day. Meanwhile, the remaining provinces and territories are either undecided or will not recognize this day as a provincial holiday.

The Ontario government announced on Sept. 9 that it will not designate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a provincial statutory holiday.

Curtis Lindsay, press secretary for the Office of Indigenous Affairs Ontario, told Global News that, “Ontario is working in collaboration with Indigenous partners, survivors and affected families to ensure the respectful commemoration of this day within the province, similar to Remembrance Day.”

Over the years, people throughout Canada have marked Sept. 30 as Orange Shirt Day, a day to wear orange in commemoration of the Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools and never returned, as well as the survivors, families, and affected communities.

The federal legislation for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was passed in the wake of over 1,300 unmarked graves discovered at former residential schools across Canada.

Some First Nations leaders have expressed disappointment in Ontario’s decision.

Chief Adrian Chrisjohn of Oneida Nation of the Thames told CBC News, “as a First Nations community and a leader, I have talked to some of my staff members and I think the initial reaction was shock and disappointment ... It's surprising, in this day and age of the residential school systems that were in the news, and Canada actually making a move on making this a national recognized holiday.”

Chrisjohn went on to say that First Nations issues are often treated as a “flavour of the week or flavour of the month” before being brushed to the side.

In light of this sentiment, it is important to note the responsibility of non-Indigenous peoples to participate in active and persistent allyship.

Being an ally refers to using one's own privilege to foster an environment where marginalized individuals and groups can liberate themselves. Being an ally is less of an identity marker and more of an ongoing process of ed-

This past year, many have gathered outside churches to mourn and reflect on the unmarked graves found at former residential school sites throughout Canada. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ucation and self-reflection.

One of the first steps you can take towards being an ally is by learning about the realities and historical contexts of Indigenous people. Try reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, and learn the correct terminology relating to the identities of Indigenous peoples. It is also a good practice to question one’s own motivations for being an ally. Allyship is a life-long process that requires reflection and action.

Non-Indigenous people can also use their voice to communicate with political representatives and demand that our government follow a comprehensive reconciliation plan. You can also offer support in the decolonization process by volunteering or donating to national organizations such as Reconciliation Canada, the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Indspire, or local-based groups like Anishnabeg Outreach, White Owl Native Ancestry Association, and The Healing of the Seven Generations.

If you are interested in observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there will be a ceremony on Sept. 30 at 12:00 p.m. at the University of Guelph where students, faculty, staff, and community members plan to commemorate the children who attended residential schools and their affected families. The event will be hosted by elders Dan and Mary Lou Smoke and organized by the Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Initiatives, and the Indigenous Student Society.