On this date, the second annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we join you in remembering the past and present ongoing violence inflicted on Indigenous families and communities over generations.
From the 17th century until 1996 when the last school was closed, more than 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forced to attend residential schools. By design, these largely church-run and state-supported facilities deliberately separated Indigenous children from their families and communities and tried to strip them of their cultures, languages, and identities. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse was rampant. Authorities are still counting the number of children who died at residential schools today – more than 5,000 young lives are believed to have been lost.
This is not a story unique to Canada; it is the truth of colonization and empire across our
Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General, Amnesty International Canada
globe, in the Americas, in Africa, Asia and Oceania. ‘Residential schools’” are one part of this larger
colonial project. We have the choice to wake up tomorrow and place the meaning of this day behind us.
Indigenous peoples on this land do not. This difference is the truth we must accept and pledge to undo
every day, individually and collectively.
This shameful history must never be forgotten. Our work to undo the legacies of colonialism, racism, and white supremacy which led to the kidnapping and torture of so many children, and their ongoing stigma and harm must continue everyday.
Truth and reconciliation are meaningless without action. In the words of our Secretary General, Ketty Nivyabandi, “This is not a story unique to Canada; it is the truth of colonization and empire across our globe, in the Americas, in Africa, Asia and Oceania. ‘Residential schools’” are one part of this larger colonial project. We have the choice to wake up tomorrow and place the meaning of this day behind us. Indigenous peoples on this land do not. This difference is the truth we must accept and pledge to undo every day, individually and collectively.”
For anyone seeking support at this difficult time, the number for the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419. British Columbia has a First Nations and Indigenous Crisis Line offered through the KUU-US Crisis Line Society, toll-free at 1-800-588-8717.
