National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024

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This message addresses sensitive topics that may evoke distressing memories of past abuse. We understand that some employees may prefer to avoid reading this content to protect their well-being.

For support, a National Residential School Crisis Line has been set up to provide support for former residential school students and their families. You can access information on the website or access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Additionally, all employees can access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): 1-800-268-7708 or 1-800-567-5803 for those with a hearing impairment.

Dear colleagues,

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the memory of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children who never returned home from residential schools. It also recognizes the Survivors, their families, and the Nations and communities that continue to be affected by this painful legacy. Building on the Indigenous grassroots movement of Orange Shirt Day, this day compels us to confront our shared history and renew our commitment to reconciliation.

The legacy of colonization is both profound and painful. The residential school system forcibly removed over 150,000 Indigenous children from their families, subjecting them to abuse and stripping them of their identities, cultures, languages, and traditions. The ongoing locating of unmarked graves at former residential school sites has reinforced the deep loss already known within Indigenous communities, while bringing this tragic history into sharper focus for many Canadians. This is an urgent call to confront the full extent of this dark past and commit to meaningful and sustained reconciliation efforts.

Parks Canada’s history is deeply intertwined with this colonial legacy, and acknowledging this truth is essential for reconciliation. However, healing and reconciliation require more than words—they require action. We must collectively educate ourselves about the ongoing impacts of colonization, including intergenerational trauma from residential schools, systemic racism, and persistent discrimination in society.

Parks Canada is supporting Indigenous communities and organizations who are leading efforts to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. Through ongoing partnerships with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the Legacy of Hope Foundation, the National Association and Friendship Centres, and the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Parks Canada has been able to support over 100+ community-led projects. Many of these Indigenous led commemorative projects and initiatives that are taking place in communities across the country include healing gatherings, traditional cultural reclamation workshops, knowledge sharing through podcasts, as well as empowering Survivors and their families by providing resources for self-determination and cultural preservation.

This month, two new videos have been released which commemorate the history of the former Muskowekwan Indian Residential School National Historic Site and the former Portage la Prairie Indian Residential School National Historic Site. These videos have been produced in partnership with the communities in which these former residential schools are located.

On September 30, on behalf of the former students at Amos Indian Residential School and the Conseil de la Première Nation Abitibiwinni, Parks Canada will be taking part in a plaque unveiling ceremony in Saint-Marc-de-Figuery, QC to commemorate the national historic significance of the Amos Indian Residential School.

These are just a few examples of the ongoing work related to the commemoration of residential schools and the history and legacy of the residential school system.

Leading up to September 30, we encourage you to learn about the history of residential schools, engage with educational resources, listen to the stories of Survivors, and participate in events that promote understanding and respect:

Every child matters, and it is for them that we strive to create a future rooted in understanding, collaboration, and respect. Please remember to wear orange or an orange shirt pin on September 30 to raise awareness and show your support.

With deep respect and commitment,

Ron Hallman

President & CEO

Nadine Spence
Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Co-Champion for Indigenous Employees

Jonathan Arnold
Executive Director, Ontario and Waterways, Co-Champion for Indigenous Employees

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