A message from Yvonne Jones, member of Parliament for Labrador on the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
First and foremost, we must honor and acknowledge the rich and diverse histories of Indigenous peoples that have shaped this land for millennia. It's essential to recognize that we are all on Indigenous lands.
The lands and waters of my riding are the homelands of the Innu and Inuit of Labrador.
Today, September 30th, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or Orange Shirt Day. A day of reflection and remembrance, and an opportunity to walk together amongst Indigenous partners in Canada towards healing and reconciliation in our nation. It's a day that calls upon all of us, regardless of our backgrounds, to acknowledge our shared history and commit to a brighter, more inclusive future.
To do that, we 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, culture, and dignity. It's a history we must continue to confront head-on.
The Truth part of this day is essential. We must never forget the past and the injustices committed against Indigenous peoples, the atrocities of the residential schools, and the generational trauma that still lingers. But we must also look and plan towards the future we want to accomplish for our youth of today and future generations to come.
And it's the word "Reconciliation" that gives us that hope. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility, one that we must all embrace. It's not just a government initiative; it's a commitment from every Canadian, from coast to coast to coast.
To truly honor this day, we must actively work toward reconciliation. We can start by learning about Indigenous cultures, by supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and by advocating for policies that address the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities today, such as access to clean water, housing, and education. We’ve made significant progress, but there is so much more to do.
Reconciliation also means empowering Indigenous voices and ensuring they are heard and respected. It means including Indigenous perspectives at the table in decision-making processes and working together to build a more equitable and just future for all.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is not just a day of reflection; it's a day of action. It's a day to take concrete steps towards reconciliation, to heal the wounds of the past, and to build a brighter future together. Today, and every day, let us stand united in our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and a better Canada for all.
