Canadians are marking the country’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring Indigenous survivors and children who disappeared from the residential school system. Singing and drumming are planned at 2:15 p-m in Kamloops, B-C, where the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc (teh-KUM’-loops sue-WET’-muck)Nation announced in May that ground-penetrating radar had identified215 unmarked graves at the site of a former school. Numerous Indigenous nations have since reported finding unmarked graves at former residential school sites.
Premier John Horgan and Indigenous Relations Minister Murray Rankin are urging all British Columbians to wear their orange shirts today to proclaim that every child matters. It is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and orange shirt day in B-C. Horgan says by wearing orange people acknowledge the truth of the residential school system, while honouring survivors, families and communities.
Today we reflect on the strength of residential school survivors, their families and communities. We mourn and honour the children who didn't come home.
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) September 30, 2021
We must keep working together to deconstruct colonial systems that continue to harm Indigenous peoples. pic.twitter.com/W4H7akfYUb