Today, September 30, marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Today we commend the courage and strength of the survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities as they educate us as part of the national process of reconciliation.
We also reflect on the lost children, the ongoing trauma and the role colonialism played, and continues to play, in the ongoing struggles of Indigenous individuals and communities to access things we are able to take for granted. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This past June, the federal government passed legislation designating September 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process. The call for a National Day of Truth and Reconciliation is part of the
94 calls to action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s staff will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through
education and reflection. Employees will focus on engaging in learning resources, and to take notes for an afternoon open discussion. As an organization, we are committed to learn from the tragic history, honour the courage of Indigenous families and communities and to understand the actions we can all take towards truth and reconciliation.