National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Today marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, established by the federal government last June to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools. This symbolic event also underlines the importance of introspection on many levels, of concrete commitments and of sustainable actions to move towards true reconciliation.

At CECI, we recognize that violence against indigenous peoples is part of the history of Quebec, Canada and many other countries around the world, and that this violence still persists today in various forms, particularly against indigenous women. We recognize the individual and collective rights of Indigenous peoples and women. We are already engaged in the fight against this violence, particularly in Guatemala, but we want to do more and we must do more.

We want to take this day to reflect on the tragic history of residential schools and the lasting intergenerational scars they have left on Indigenous peoples and on our country as a whole. We will examine our current practices and ask how we can expand our opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, both in Canada and overseas, to develop concrete actions that will facilitate healing at the individual, community and societal levels. 

We call for a sincere, inclusive and ongoing dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to achieve real and lasting reconciliation. We are thinking of past, present and future generations.

Want to show your support for indigenous peoples or learn more?

- Montreal Rally and March for Truth and Reconciliation
When: Today, Thursday, September 30, 1pm (suggested arrival time: 12:30pm)
Where: Place du Canada (near Peel & René Lévesque) followed by a march to Place des Arts
Organized by : Native Women's Shelter of Montreal, in partnership with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL)

Voies Parallèles
A podcast whose mission is to contribute to giving a voice and a clear direction to cultural reconciliation in Quebec.

Quebec Native Women
An Aboriginal women's rights organization that implements various projects, including #WeHealTogether, a social media campaign against sexual assault.

It is my sincere hope that this day will be an opportunity for all of us to take the time to listen, to reflect and to commit to deliberate efforts to advance true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples around the world.

 

In solidarity,

Philippe Dongier, executive director of CECI