Mr. Speaker,
September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
This day of reflection and remembrance is an opportunity to walk together with Indigenous peoples towards healing and reconciliation in Canada. This day calls upon all of us, to acknowledge our shared history and commit to a brighter, more inclusive future.
We first must begin by acknowledging the painful history that has brought us here today. For centuries, Indigenous peoples endured colonization, the residential school system, and the loss of their land, language, and culture. It's a history we must continue to confront head-on.
Unlike the combative and aggressive words of the leader of the Conservatives when he said - and I quote – “Canada’s Aboriginals need to learn the value of hard work more than they need compensation for abuse suffered in residential schools.”
It is the cold, hard views of naïve people like those expressed that has set back progress of Indigenous peoples by generations.
We must never forget the past and the injustices committed against Indigenous peoples, the atrocities of residential schools, and the generational trauma that still lingers.
We must actively work toward reconciliation. It starts by learning about Indigenous cultures, by supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, by including Indigenous perspectives at the table, and by advocating for policies that address the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities today, such as access to clean water, housing, and education.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a day of reflection; it's a day of action. Today, and every day, let us stand united in our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and a better Canada for all.
Thank you.
