The Truth
Canada- Can you handle it?
“This day is an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to reflect on the truth that Canada has a history of genocide and that Indigenous children were the victims of that, says Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald.“We really all need to find a healing path forward. We’ve always known about these institutions.
Our children were dying there and really horrific things were happening to our children in these institutions,” Archibald said.“It’s only recently that non-indigenous Canadians have really brought this into their consciousness and into their hearts. And I’m grateful that, because of this, we felt empathy within many people and allies who are willing to stand with us.
”Similar to the Remembrance Day, when there is a moment to remember soldiers who lost their lives, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is a time to remember the children who died in these institutions, she said.
There are still living survivors of residential schools, she added.“These institutions wreak havoc on our family structures and our communities. Language was not allowed to be spoken. No culture or traditions were allowed to be practised. These were devastating institutions for us,” said Archibald, who will attend a community event in Kamloops, B.C., where an estimated 200 graves were located at the site of a former residential school in May.
The fact that some provinces are not designating Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday means there are many more miles to go on the path of healing--Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald