National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day serves as a powerful reminder for all of us to reflect on the legacy and lasting impacts of Canada’s colonial history on Indigenous Peoples, particularly the residential school system. It is a day to honour the lives of the children who never made it home, to stand in solidarity with Survivors, and to recognize the profound intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities.    

The truth and reconciliation process requires a national acknowledgement through learning about the individual and collective experiences of Indigenous people affected by the residential school system, and a reflection on the actions that each of us can take to participate in the truth and reconciliation process, on September 30 and every day.   

We have compiled a list of resources and activities that can serve as a starting point for self-education, reflection and engagement in the truth and reconciliation process for Indigenous people.

Government actions & frameworks 

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action 
  • Additional reports and resources
  • 2023 Status Update on Reconciliation  

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
  • Federal government legislated through the UNDRIP Act on June 21, 2021

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  • Final report
  • Executive summary

 
Events / programming 

• Monday 30, September: 
  • Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2024 (APTN): 3 pm EST (English) / 6 pm EST (French)
  • “Truth and Land Back” screening: 1-3pm EST

 
Housing-specific resources

• National Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Coalition 
• Working for Housing Access: Indigenous Solutions and Leadership   

 
Media / stories