On National Truth and Reconciliation Day and every day, we are called as Canadians to pause and engage in remembrance of the painful and profound harm caused by the residential school system and the ongoing impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples. Part of this learning also includes understanding and acknowledging the trauma caused by these institutions, which sought to erase the culture, language, and identity of Indigenous peoples, which continues to have a ripple effect in our communities today.
The first step towards reconciliation is reflecting on and learning about the truths with open hearts and minds and challenging our own prejudices and biases. We must take time to educate ourselves about Canada’s true history, including listening to the stories and the lived experiences of survivors and honouring their courage, understanding the impacts of intergenerational trauma, and acknowledging the systemic racism that still exists today.
However, reflection alone is not enough, and we have a collective responsibility to commit to addressing the truths and shaping a future where the dignity and humanity of all are respected. We must translate our reflections into actions and take concrete steps to turn our attention to the inequities that continue to permeate our educational system. We need to work hand in hand with Rightsholders and Indigenous Communities to create the conditions in each of our school communities, ensuring that each Indigenous learner is supported and celebrated for who they are, their culture, language, and identity so that they can flourish.