SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Honourable senators, this week, we will all mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We do so with a responsibility to remember and to look honestly toward the future.

We know the history that brings us to this day every year. For generations, Indigenous children were separated from their families, communities and cultures and sent to residential schools. Many endured profound hardship, abuse and loss. Some never returned home.

The consequences of that history continue to be felt by Survivors, their families and their communities.

We must acknowledge that history plainly, respectfully and without qualification. It is by remembering the experiences of Survivors and their families, listening to Indigenous communities and learning from our history that we must continue the work toward reconciliation and strengthening the relationships that are so important to Canada’s future.

It means building relationships based on respect, trust and recognition. It means acknowledging where governments and institutions failed Indigenous Peoples and ensuring that the lessons from those failures continue to shape how those institutions serve Canadians today.

It also means recognizing that Indigenous Peoples are not simply part of Canada’s history. They are an essential part of Canada’s present and future — as leaders, entrepreneurs, veterans, public servants, artists, parents, neighbours and partners in building this country.

Today, we remember the children who were separated from their families, those who never returned home and the survivors who have to live with those experiences their whole lives. We honour the memory of those who died and celebrate the resilience of the survivors.

We also renew our commitment to remembering their stories, not only as a part of Canada’s history, but as a reminder of the lessons that we need to learn for the Canada we will continue to build, a Canada that has the confidence to acknowledge its history, the humility to learn from it and the unity to move forward together.

Thank you, senators.

Let’s never ever forget.