As we take time to reflect on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Peterborough’s mayor and warden are giving thoughts.
Here is the complete statement made by Diane Therrien:
September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Formerly known as “Orange Shirt Day”, it originated as a day for all Canadians to learn about and reflect on the horrific treatment of Indigenous children at residential schools across Canada.
Children were taken from their parents and held against their will. Parents were threatened with arrest when they resisted the apprehension of their children. The first residential schools opened in the 1880’s. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996.
For over 100 years, children were stolen from their families, their communities, and their homes. For over 100 years, children were forced to “assimilate” – speaking Indigenous languages, holding Indigenous ceremonies and Indigenous traditional dances were all banned. Students were forced to speak English, to learn and act as the priests and nuns demanded. Punishment for not doing so was severe, and the harms done reverberate to this day.
Before we can have Reconciliation, we must have Truth.
It is incumbent upon all of us to contribute to the truth, reconciliation, and healing process. There are numerous resources (books, films, and websites – please see the bottom of this statement for a partial list of some starting points) that document the true history of this country. The exploration of truth requires all of us to commit to education. The discovery of truth is often difficult, emotional, and uncomfortable.
Indigenous people in Canada are subject to more severe legal sentencing than white people, leading to higher rates of incarceration. Indigenous women in Canada are more likely to experience violence. Indigenous children make up less than 8% of Canada’s population, but 52% of children under the age of 14 in foster care are Indigenous.
That is only the tip of the iceberg of the daily, structural, and systemic racism that Indigenous people are forced to deal with.
There are many positive statistics as well. Indigenous people, especially Indigenous women, are completing post-secondary education in increasing numbers, and many go on to graduate studies, law school, and medical school. This results in more Indigenous professors, lawyers, and doctors (among many other professions). The increased representation in these fields has a ripple affect amongst the younger generations, and it is leading the path for a strong and resilient future.
Healing is happening. To help the healing process, non-Indigenous Canadians need to step up and speak out. Call out racism when you see or hear it. Support Indigenous people and communities, not just on September 30th, but year-round. Attend events organized by Indigenous communities and organizations. Follow Indigenous scholars, artists, lawyers, and activists on social media. Read their posts. Donate to them and Indigenous organizations if you can.
Here is the statement made by J. Murray Jones:
On this 2nd Annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation we grieve the thousands of Indigenous children who were victims of the Canadian residential school system.
Since the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation one year ago, Peterborough County has addressed its role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, integrating education and deeper inclusion of Indigenous voices.
Peterborough County is committed to honouring the memory of Indigenous lives, embedding Indigenous values into our practices, and contributing to a brighter future for
Indigenous generations to come.
Today, we wear Orange to honour our friends and colleagues in Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations as well as all Indigenous peoples of Canada.
