National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
“The Survivors’ Flag is an expression of remembrance, meant to honour residential school Survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada. Each element depicted on the flag was carefully selected by Survivors from across Canada, who were consulted in the flag’s creation.”
Learn more about the importance and symbolism of this flag.
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.”
We have a lot of to learn. We know we need to do better. As individuals, communities and across Canada, the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30 is an opportunity to pause, learn, reflect, honour and commit to action.
At PIN, our team has been learning and engaging in discussion; September 30 will provide team members an opportunity to participate virtually or in-person through an array of events and learnings publicly or privately. As a settler organization in the charitable, voluntary sector, learning, understanding and seeking to take actionable steps to affect change is important.
We are pleased to share resources that you may find meaningful on your path of reconciliation.
- Learn more about the work of Anishnabeg Outreach
- A national gathering will be held tomorrow on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill at 10AM ET, followed by a spirit walk and a ceremony ending in music and dance lasting until the evening. The event will be livestreamed.
- The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is hosting a series of virtual events that began on Monday. Topics include treaties, land claims and unceded territories, language and culture, and truth and reconciliation.
- The Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Nation in British Columbia is encouraging the Secwepemc Honour Song be taught in schools, workplaces and at home. The First Nation shared a video online so people can learn the song and is suggesting they sing and drum along at 2:15 PM PT.
