National ceremony in Ottawa will mark Truth and Reconciliation Day

OTTAWA — The streets of downtown Ottawa are turning into a sea of orange with hundreds of people already in place on Parliament Hill ahead of a ceremony to honour the survivors of Canada’s residential school system and the children who never made it home.

The event itself doesn’t begin until 3 p.m. ET, but people clad in orange shirts are already in the area for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirts have become a symbol of reconciliation, inspired by the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad, who has recounted having a brand new orange shirt taken from her on her first day at a residential school and never having it returned.

Residential school survivors and Indigenous leaders will be among those attending the Ottawa event.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who is expected to attend the ceremony on Parliament Hill, also hosted a sacred fire ceremony in the morning at Rideau Hall.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is in Inuvik, N.W.T., to take part in events there, said in a statement that people must listen to survivors and their stories of “unspeakable abuse” they suffered in residential schools.

“The government of Canada is dedicated to walking alongside Indigenous communities on their healing journeys, making it a top priority to support them every step of the way. We will continue our work to support their efforts to identify children who did not come home from residential schools, to locate and memorialize related unmarked burial sites, and to honour those who died,” he said.

“Today and in all the days to come, I encourage Canadians to reflect on the enduring impact of residential schools, participate in Indigenous-led National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events in their communities, learn about the stories of Survivors, and wear orange in honour of every child who suffered or lost their life.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre participated in a ceremony with Indigenous leaders along with the party’s critic for Crown-Indigenous relations and Indigenous services MP Jamie Schmale.

In a statement, Poilievre recalled the “dark history of excessive government overreach” that brought long-lasting suffering to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

“Indigenous peoples must have the freedom to determine their futures, preserve their languages, develop their resources, use their talents and celebrate their cultures,” he said. “Through a new approach and through the unmatched resilience of Indigenous people, Canada can achieve reconciliation and a brighter future for all.”

More than 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools, and many survivors detailed the horrific abuse they suffered at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

An estimated 6,000 children died while attending the schools, although experts say the actual number could be much higher.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2024.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

<!– Photo: 29234b69b23586fda8d66a770ceea4cf9eaca95a5c078a9b4fd415c82bba208e.jpg, Caption:

People take part in a march on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Montreal, Saturday, September 30, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

–>