Today, on September 30th, Canadians recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We take this day to reflect on the injustices that Indigenous peoples of this land have endured at the hands of Canada's actions, and we commit ourselves to continue walking the path of reconciliation. Our Liberal government established this observance in fulfilment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #80.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was established to find answers. It brought to light the truth about what took place at residential schools and its effects on Survivors and generations of family members. In 2015 the TRC released its final report and 94 Calls to Action, which provide a roadmap for all levels of government, organizations, and individuals on the concrete steps they can take towards reconciliation.
Like many in Mississauga-Erin Mills, my education in Canada did not include learning about the residential school system. We did not learn about the trauma inflicted on the Indigenous peoples of this land and, for generations, their stories went unheard. It is critical that we deepen our understanding of the ongoing effects of colonialism and lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. Please see below for a list of resources to get started.
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR): A place of learning and dialogue, the NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the TRC. Learn more here: https://nctr.ca/.
- TRC Reports & 94 Calls to Action: The NCTR makes available digital copies of important and relevant reports created by the TRC regarding residential schools and the Calls to Action. Reports can be found here: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/.
- At this time we encourage Canadians to read, in particular, Volume 4 of the TRC final report on Missing Children and Burial Information and Calls to Action 71-76.
- Delivering on the Calls to Action: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801
- Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada: Reference maps of Indigenous Canada created by The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in conjunction with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis Nation, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and Indspire. Visit this webpage: https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/
- National Action Plan & Federal Pathway: Together with families and survivors, provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners, our government worked with over 100 Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to develop the various components of a distinctions-based, regionally relevant, and accountable National Action Plan, including the Government’s component the Federal Pathway. Learn more here: https://mmiwg2splus-nationalactionplan.ca/.
- Goodminds Bookstore: Online catalogue of Indigenous books for all ages and professional levels. Learn more here: https://goodminds.com/
- Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation: The direct descendent of the Mississaugas of the Credit, upon whose Treaty Lands and Territory our riding is located. Learn more here: http://mncfn.ca/