09/30/2026
Today is the 6th national Truth and Reconciliation Day. I reflect on the past years and how this day has given Indigenous People of Canada an opportunity to share our experiences from our present lives and the past history.
Reconciliation is not about rewriting history. It is about facing Canada’s settler colonial history honestly, taking true accountability rather than relying on performative action, and committing to meaningful, sustained support for Inuit, First Nations, and Métis children, youth, and their families - Canadian citizens who deserve the same respect, dignity, understanding, and opportunity as their fellow Canadians.
The past years events and sharing have given me comfort that we have this day, September 30, to reflect and find a way forward from our difficult past. Therefore it has been painful to see the rise of Residential school denialism - including attempts to dismiss, minimize, or cast doubt on the documented experiences of Survivors and the historical record - causing further harm. It also reflects a refusal of those individuals to engage honestly with the evidence, the testimony of Survivors, and the extensive historical record of the residential school system.
Reconciliation requires a willingness to learn, to listen, and to confront difficult truths rather than dismissing them when they challenge our understanding of Canada’s history.
I recognize that the history and experiences of Inuit are distinct, including the profound impacts of residential schools, forced relocations, the qimmiit (sled dog) slaughter, the loss of language and culture, and policies that ruptured families and communities. However, on days like today, it is important that we also recognize the shared impacts of colonialism on Inuit, First Nations, and Métis peoples, while respecting the distinct histories, experiences, cultures, and voices of each.
Reconciliation begins with truth, and it requires more than just words. It means actively listening to Inuit, First Nations, and Métis people. Learning from Inuit, First Nations, and Métis knowledge and experiences. Honouring Inuit, First Nations, and Métis languages and culture. As well as recognizing the strength and resilience of these Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast.
Their resilience, strength, and courage have contributed immeasurably to the fabric of Canada in countless ways, enriching our country and helping shape it into the sovereign nation it is today.
Today, we hold space for not only the Survivors, but also the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of Survivors. We honour their communities and histories. We recommit ourselves to listening, learning, and supporting meaningful reconciliation.
I reject residential school denialism and call on Canadians to educate themselves, listen to the experiences of Survivors and their families, and engage honestly with the historical record. Reconciliation requires us to confront difficult truths, reject attempts to minimize or erase them, and turn remembrance into meaningful action.
Every Child Matters.
